Cicero, Against Verres I
- What are Cicero's assumptions about where evil or bad comes from, and how does this explain his view of the only two possibilities for the soul after death?
- Briefly describe Cicero's life.
- What is the background of the speech?
- How does Cicero begin his speech--what does he try to do in his introduction?
- How does he attempt to gain the favor of his audience? How does he try to get them on his side? How does he try to build up his own credibility?
- List the accusations he makes against his opponent's character.
- What objections does he anticipate from his opponent and how does he answer them?
- What does Cicero try to do in his conclusion?
- What does he ask his audience to do in response to this speech?
Cicero, On Duties (III)
- Page 160. What does Cicero say is the most "luxuriantly fertile field" of all philosophy, and why?
- Why is it unnatural to do wrong?
- Do you agree with Cicero's assessment of "test cases" from myth and history?
- On pages 173 and 187, Cicero asks what we would do if there were no consequences (think of the story of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" or the movie "Groundhog Day" for further enlightenment!). What does the Bible say would be an appropriate response if there were no consequences (see I Cor. 15:30-32)
- Why does Cicero say honesty is always necessary?
- How does Cicero's view of moral right and duty match the Bible's? In what ways is it similar?
On Old Age
- What are the four aspects of old age which people dislike, and which Cicero, writing as "Cato", responds to?
- How does he respond to each one?
- What are Cicero's assumptions about where evil or bad comes from, and how does this explain his view of the only two possibilities for the soul after death?
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