47 pages • 1 hour read
Cicero: On Duties (De Officiis)
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During Reading
Reading Questions & Paired Texts
Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.
BOOK I
Reading Check
1. To whom does Cicero address the text?
2. What is the fundamental difference between human beings and beasts?
3. What should be the primary objective of going to war?
4. What are the two ways through which injustice can be done?
5. What are the two parts of spirit?
Short Answer
Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. What is the difference between a “correct” action and a “common” action? Which type of action does Cicero chiefly address in the text?
2. How does Cicero define justice?
3. Why does Cicero say people usually harm others unjustly?
4. What is the difference between propriety and honorability?
5. Why are political achievements judged as the ones that show the most greatness of spirit?
Paired Resources
“How the Ancient Roman Government Worked”
- This 10-minute video by the World History Encyclopedia explains how the Roman government worked at different periods in history.
- This connects to the themes of Honorableness Versus Utility and The Four Roles of Humans.
- How does Cicero present the relationship between the citizen and the state? How are Cicero’s views a product of the Roman political system?
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