duty of the individual. Hence, in the Stoic philosophy, researches into
the duties of the individual occupy a large space, and there is a
corresponding subordination of politics. These duties form the subject
of by far the greater part of the applied moral science of the Stoics;
and it has been already set forth [762] how minutely they entered in
that study into possible details. At the same time, the scientific
harvest resulting from these researches is by no means in proportion to
their extent.
Confining our attention to the two first books of Cicero’s work, De
Officiis, to form some idea of the treatise of Panætius on duties, we
find, after a few introductory remarks, morality as such (honestum)
described, according to the scheme of the four cardinal virtues (i.
5–42). In discussing the first of these, intelligence, love of research
is recommended, and useless subtlety is deprecated. Justice and
injustice are next discussed, in all their various forms, due regard
being had to the cases of ordinary occurrence in life. Liberality,
kindness, and benevolence are treated as subdivisions of justice; and
this leads to a consideration of human society in all its various forms
(c. 16–18, 60). Turning next to bravery (18, 61), the philosopher draws
attention to the fact that bravery is inseparably connected with
justice. He then describes it partly as it appears in the forms of
magnanimity and endurance, regardless of external circumstances, partly
in the form of energetic courage; and, in so doing, he discusses
various questions which suggest themselves, such as the nature of true
and false courage, military and civil courage, and the exclusion of
anger from valour. Lastly, the object of the fourth chief virtue (c.
27) is described, in general terms, as what is proper (decorum,
πρέπον), and the corresponding state as propriety, both in controlling
the impulses of the senses, in jest and play, and in the whole personal
bearing. The peculiar demands made by individual nature, by time of
life, by civil position, are discussed. Even outward proprieties—of
speech and conversation, of domestic arrangement, tact in behaviour,
[763] honourable and dishonourable modes of life—do not escape
attention. [764]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account