Cicero On Duties

The Ciceronian Society
  • 4.5 (4)
  • Philosophy
  • Updated Weekly

Reading of & commentary on Cicero's work On Duties (De Officiis)

  1. 5d ago

    Cicero On Duties, Episode 34 - How to Use Eloquence

    Prosecuting the innocent is the worst perversion of eloquence. With hosts Josh Bowman, Chris Anadale, and Ben Peterson. ----- IN THIS EPISODE Book 2, Chapters 48-51 ----- INDEX 0:00 Introduction to Episode 34 2:06 Book 2 Ch 48, Two Ways of Speaking: Debate & Conversation 12:16 Book 2 Ch 49-50, Right Uses of Eloquence 22:13 Book 2 Ch 51, Prosecuting the Innocent vs Defending the Guilty ----- MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Lawless Republic. https://www.amazon.com/Lawless-Republic-Rise-Cicero-Decline/dp/1541604253 Witness for the Prosecution. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witness_for_the_Prosecution_(1957_film) Movie Poster. By Heritage Auctions, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7086640 ----- HOSTS Joshua Bowman is Executive Director of the Ciceronian Society, and earned a PhD in politics from the Catholic University of America. Christopher Anadale is podcast editor for the Ciceronian Society, and Associate Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Ben Peterson is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Abilene Christianity University, where his research and teaching focus on political theory. He writes about constitutional theory & the institutional implications of differing philosophical and religious foundations. He teaches courses on American government and politics, political science methodology, and political theory, and also contributes essays to publications for a broad audience about public affairs. ----- TEXTS Translation we read from: https://www.cambridge.org/us/universitypress/subjects/politics-international-relations/texts-political-thought/cicero-duties?format=PB&isbn=9780521348355 Another (free) translation: https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/cicero-on-moral-duties-de-officiis ----- The Ciceronian Society encourages and equips Christian Scholars as they serve the church. To learn more, visit https://ciceroniansociety.org/ Check out our other Podcast, THE SOWER: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1B7f66VCvfZnkwh_UjXjhXEg5P8dUq0q Music: No. 4 Piano Journey, by Esther Abrami #cicero #philosophy #ethics Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Episode 34(00:02:06) - Book 2 Ch 48, Two Ways of Speaking: Debate & Conversation(00:12:16) - Book 2 Ch 49-50, Right Uses of Eloquence(00:22:13) - Book 2 Ch 51, Prosecuting the Innocent vs Defending the Guilty

  2. Aug 19

    Cicero On Duties, Episode 33 - True Glory Comes From Justice

    Practical advice for young men seeking glory. With hosts Josh Bowman, Chris Anadale, and Ben Peterson. ----- IN THIS EPISODE Book 2, Chapters 43-47 ----- INDEX 0:00 Introduction to Episode 33 1:59 Book 2 Ch 43, Glory Depends on Justice 11:24 Book 2 Ch 44-45, Young Marcus' Biography 20:02 Book 2 Ch 46-47, How Talent & Reason Contribute to Glory 29:19 Final Thoughts on Why the Roman Republic Fell ----- MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE n/a ----- HOSTS Joshua Bowman is Executive Director of the Ciceronian Society, and earned a PhD in politics from the Catholic University of America. Christopher Anadale is podcast editor for the Ciceronian Society, and Associate Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Ben Peterson is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Abilene Christianity University, where his research and teaching focus on political theory. He writes about constitutional theory & the institutional implications of differing philosophical and religious foundations. He teaches courses on American government and politics, political science methodology, and political theory, and also contributes essays to publications for a broad audience about public affairs. ----- TEXTS Translation we read from: https://www.cambridge.org/us/universitypress/subjects/politics-international-relations/texts-political-thought/cicero-duties?format=PB&isbn=9780521348355 Another (free) translation: https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/cicero-on-moral-duties-de-officiis ----- The Ciceronian Society encourages and equips Christian Scholars as they serve the church. To learn more, visit https://ciceroniansociety.org/ Check out our other Podcast, THE SOWER: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1B7f66VCvfZnkwh_UjXjhXEg5P8dUq0q Music: No. 4 Piano Journey, by Esther Abrami #cicero #philosophy #ethics Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Episode 33(00:01:59) - Book 2 Ch 43, Glory Depends on Justice(00:11:24) - Book 2 Ch 44-45, Young Marcus' Biography(00:20:02) - Book 2 Ch 46-47, How Talent & Reason Contribute to Glory(00:29:19) - Final Thoughts on Why the Roman Republic Fell

  3. Aug 12

    Cicero On Duties, Episode 32 - Why Justice is Necessary

    Justice is absolutely necessary for winning admiration. With hosts Josh Bowman, Chris Anadale, and Katherine Bradshaw. ----- IN THIS EPISODE Book 2, Chapters 35-42 ----- INDEX 0:00 Introduction to Episode 32 1:37 Book 2 Ch 35, Unity of the Virtues 5:40 Book 2 Ch 36-38, Contempt & Admiration 14:39 Book 2 Ch 39-40, Justice Among Pirates 22:46 Book 2 Ch 41-42, Justice of Kings 31:34 Final Thoughts on Cicero's Relevance to Today ----- MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Episode 18. https://youtu.be/Ht4tWh0Wlf8 EVEN Actors. https://youtube.com/shorts/om_KFoZkVXk?feature=share The Dark Knight. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/ The Sower. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1B7f66VCvfZnkwh_UjXjhXEg5P8dUq0q ----- HOSTS Joshua Bowman is Executive Director of the Ciceronian Society, and earned a PhD in politics from the Catholic University of America. Christopher Anadale is podcast editor for the Ciceronian Society, and Associate Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Katherine L. Bradshaw is a Latin and Greek Fellow with the Ancient Language Institute and a Ph.D. student in Humanities through Faulkner University. She has an M.A. in Classics from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in English from the George Washington University. ----- TEXTS Translation we read from: https://www.cambridge.org/us/universitypress/subjects/politics-international-relations/texts-political-thought/cicero-duties?format=PB&isbn=9780521348355 Another (free) translation: https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/cicero-on-moral-duties-de-officiis ----- The Ciceronian Society encourages and equips Christian Scholars as they serve the church. To learn more, visit https://ciceroniansociety.org/ Check out our other Podcast, THE SOWER: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1B7f66VCvfZnkwh_UjXjhXEg5P8dUq0q Music: No. 4 Piano Journey, by Esther Abrami #cicero #philosophy #ethics Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Episode 32(00:01:37) - Book 2 Ch 35, Unity of the Virtues(00:05:40) - Book 2 Ch 36-38, Contempt & Admiration(00:14:39) - Book 2 Ch 39-40, Justice Among Pirates(00:22:46) - Book 2 Ch 41-42, Justice of Kings(00:31:34) - Final Thoughts on Cicero's Relevance to Today

  4. Aug 5

    Cicero On Duties, Episode 31 - How to Win Glory

    Human nature compels us to love people who seem virtuous. With hosts Josh Bowman, Chris Anadale, and Katherine Bradshaw. ----- IN THIS EPISODE Book 2, Chapters 30-34 ----- INDEX 0:00 Introduction to Episode 31 2:44 Book 2 Ch 30-31, Friendship & Glory 16:26 Book 2 Ch 32, How to Win Goodwill 22:46 Book 2 Ch 33-34, Faith & Justice 31:46 Final Thoughts: Is Cicero right about the people? ----- MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Japanese Ballots. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elections_in_Japan#Ballots,_voting_machines_and_early_voting ----- HOSTS Joshua Bowman is Executive Director of the Ciceronian Society, and earned a PhD in politics from the Catholic University of America. Christopher Anadale is podcast editor for the Ciceronian Society, and Associate Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Katherine L. Bradshaw is a Latin and Greek Fellow with the Ancient Language Institute and a Ph.D. student in Humanities through Faulkner University. She has an M.A. in Classics from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in English from the George Washington University. ----- TEXTS Translation we read from: https://www.cambridge.org/us/universitypress/subjects/politics-international-relations/texts-political-thought/cicero-duties?format=PB&isbn=9780521348355 Another (free) translation: https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/cicero-on-moral-duties-de-officiis ----- The Ciceronian Society encourages and equips Christian Scholars as they serve the church. To learn more, visit https://ciceroniansociety.org/ Check out our other Podcast, THE SOWER: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1B7f66VCvfZnkwh_UjXjhXEg5P8dUq0q Music: No. 4 Piano Journey, by Esther Abrami #cicero #philosophy #ethics Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Episode 31(00:02:44) - Book 2 Ch 30-31, Friendship & Glory(00:16:26) - Book 2 Ch 32, How to Win Goodwill(00:22:46) - Book 2 Ch 33-34, Faith & Justice(00:31:46) - Final Thoughts: Is Cicero right about the people?

  5. Jul 29

    Cicero On Duties, Episode 30 - Why Fear is Ineffective in Politics

    "They hate the men they fear, and whom one hates one would have dead." With hosts Chris Anadale, Coyle Neal, Ethan Alexander-Davey, and Katherine Bradshaw. ----- IN THIS EPISODE Book 2, Chapters 23-29 ----- INDEX 0:00 Introduction to Episode 30 1:07 Book 2 Ch 23-24, Fear vs Cooperation 9:49 Book 2 Ch 25-26, Examples Proving Fear is Ineffective 19:55 Book 2 Ch 27-28, Examples from the Recent History of Rome 27:38 Book 2 Ch 29, How the Republic Was Lost 35:46 Anadale Tells a Joke 37:20 Final Thoughts on Disagreeing with Cicero ----- MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Richard Harris as Sulla. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0284741/characters/nm0001321/ Julius Caesar (2002 TV Movie). https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0284741/ ----- HOSTS Christopher Anadale is podcast editor for the Ciceronian Society, and Associate Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Katherine L. Bradshaw is a Latin and Greek Fellow with the Ancient Language Institute and a Ph.D. student in Humanities through Faulkner University. She has an M.A. in Classics from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in English from the George Washington University. Ethan Alexander-Davey is associate professor of political science at Campbell University, where he teaches all the courses on political theory and constitutional law. He is co-editor, with Richard Avramenko, of Aristocratic Souls in Democratic Times, and Aristocratic Voices: Forgotten Arguments about Virtue Authority and Inequality, both published by Lexington Books. Coyle Neal is stepping into a position as Associate Professor of Public Service at College of the Ozarks. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Theory from The Catholic University of America and is the author of Echoes of Antiquity. He is also City Tax Collector of Bolivar, Missouri. ----- TEXTS Translation we read from: https://www.cambridge.org/us/universitypress/subjects/politics-international-relations/texts-political-thought/cicero-duties?format=PB&isbn=9780521348355 Another (free) translation: https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/cicero-on-moral-duties-de-officiis ----- The Ciceronian Society encourages and equips Christian Scholars as they serve the church. To learn more, visit https://ciceroniansociety.org/ Check out our other Podcast, THE SOWER: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1B7f66VCvfZnkwh_UjXjhXEg5P8dUq0q Music: No. 4 Piano Journey, by Esther Abrami #cicero #philosophy #ethics Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Episode 30(00:01:07) - Book 2 Ch 23-24, Fear vs Cooperation(00:09:49) - Book 2 Ch 25-26, Examples Proving Fear is Ineffective(00:19:55) - Book 2 Ch 27-28, Examples from the Recent History of Rome(00:27:38) - Book 2 Ch 29, How the Republic Was Lost(00:35:46) - Anadale Tells a Joke(00:37:20) - Final Thoughts on Disagreeing with Cicero

  6. Jul 22

    Cicero On Duties, Episode 29 - Why We Need Virtue

    Virtue is necessary for human cooperation and happiness. With hosts Chris Anadale, Coyle Neal, Ethan Alexander-Davey, and Katherine Bradshaw. ----- IN THIS EPISODE Book 2, Chapters 16-22 ----- INDEX 0:00 Introduction to Episode 29 0:47 Book 2 Ch 16-17, Why We Need the Virtues 7:42 Book 2 Ch 18, Virtue Depends on 3 Things 14:37 Book 2 Ch 19-20, Fortune's Role in Human Life 20:48 Book 2 Ch 21-22, Why Men Support Others 30:11 Final Thoughts on Virtue and a Free People ----- MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE (n/a) ----- HOSTS Christopher Anadale is podcast editor for the Ciceronian Society, and Associate Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Katherine L. Bradshaw is a Latin and Greek Fellow with the Ancient Language Institute and a Ph.D. student in Humanities through Faulkner University. She has an M.A. in Classics from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in English from the George Washington University. Ethan Alexander-Davey is associate professor of political science at Campbell University, where he teaches all the courses on political theory and constitutional law. He is co-editor, with Richard Avramenko, of Aristocratic Souls in Democratic Times, and Aristocratic Voices: Forgotten Arguments about Virtue Authority and Inequality, both published by Lexington Books. Coyle Neal is stepping into a position as Associate Professor of Public Service at College of the Ozarks. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Theory from The Catholic University of America and is the author of Echoes of Antiquity. He is also City Tax Collector of Bolivar, Missouri. ----- TEXTS Translation we read from: https://www.cambridge.org/us/universitypress/subjects/politics-international-relations/texts-political-thought/cicero-duties?format=PB&isbn=9780521348355 Another (free) translation: https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/cicero-on-moral-duties-de-officiis ----- The Ciceronian Society encourages and equips Christian Scholars as they serve the church. To learn more, visit https://ciceroniansociety.org/ Check out our other Podcast, THE SOWER: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1B7f66VCvfZnkwh_UjXjhXEg5P8dUq0q Music: No. 4 Piano Journey, by Esther Abrami #cicero #philosophy #ethics Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Episode 29(00:00:47) - Book 2 Ch 16-17, Why We Need the Virtues(00:07:42) - Book 2 Ch 18, Virtue Depends on 3 Things(00:14:37) - Book 2 Ch 19-20, Fortune's Role in Human Life(00:20:48) - Book 2 Ch 21-22, Why Men Support Others(00:30:11) - Final Thoughts on Virtue and a Free People

  7. Jul 15

    Cicero On Duties, Episode 28 - The Benefits of Civilization

    All the goods of civilized life depend on human cooperation. With hosts Josh Bowman, Chris Anadale, and Katherine Bradshaw. ----- IN THIS EPISODE Book 2, Chapters 9-15 ----- INDEX 0:00 Introduction to Episode 28 2:17 Book 2 Ch 9-10, Everything Honorable is Beneficial 11:35 Book 2 Ch 11-13, Cicero on the Role of Cooperation in Human Life 22:02 Dad Joke 22:44 Book 2 Ch 14-15, Cicero on the Origins of Civilized Life 32:38 Final Thoughts on Cicero and Sociability ----- MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Logres Institute for Classical Liberal Studies, https://www.logresinstitute.org/ The Sower Podcast, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1B7f66VCvfZnkwh_UjXjhXEg5P8dUq0q Michael Hawley, Natural Law Republicanism, https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Law-Republicanism-Cicero%C3%A2s-Liberal/dp/0197582338 The Common Arts (Sower Episode 68: Jesus the Tekton), https://youtu.be/kRape4nWZnk Julian Simon, The Ultimate Resource, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ultimate_Resource ----- HOSTS Joshua Bowman is Executive Director of the Ciceronian Society, and earned a PhD in politics from the Catholic University of America. Christopher Anadale is podcast editor for the Ciceronian Society, and Associate Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Katherine L. Bradshaw is a Latin and Greek Fellow with the Ancient Language Institute and a Ph.D. student in Humanities through Faulkner University. She has an M.A. in Classics from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in English from the George Washington University. ----- TEXTS Translation we read from: https://www.cambridge.org/us/universitypress/subjects/politics-international-relations/texts-political-thought/cicero-duties?format=PB&isbn=9780521348355 Another (free) translation: https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/cicero-on-moral-duties-de-officiis ----- The Ciceronian Society encourages and equips Christian Scholars as they serve the church. To learn more, visit https://ciceroniansociety.org/ Check out our other Podcast, THE SOWER: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1B7f66VCvfZnkwh_UjXjhXEg5P8dUq0q Music: No. 4 Piano Journey, by Esther Abrami #cicero #philosophy #ethics Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Episode 28(00:02:17) - Book 2 Ch 9-10, Everything Honorable is Beneficial(00:11:35) - Book 2 Ch 11-13, Cicero on the Role of Cooperation in Human Life(00:22:02) - Dad Joke(00:22:44) - Book 2 Ch 14-15, Cicero on the Origins of Civilized Life(00:32:38) - Final Thoughts on Cicero and Sociability

  8. Jul 8

    Cicero On Duties, Episode 27 - The Value of Philosophy

    Cicero begins Book 2 with a defense of philosophy, in general and in his own life. With hosts Josh Bowman, Chris Anadale, and Katherine Bradshaw. ----- IN THIS EPISODE Book 2, Chapters 1-8 ----- INDEX 0:00 Introduction to Episode 27 4:08 Book 2 Ch 1-2, Cicero's Philosophy 14:32 Book 2 Ch 3-4, Personal Reflections on Cicero's Fall from Power 24:06 Book 2 Ch 5-6, Cicero's Defense of Philosophy 31:21 Book 2 ch 7-8, Cicero on Persuasion and Skepticism ----- MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Cicero in Heaven. https://www.amazon.com/Luthers-Reformation-Andrews-Studies-History/dp/9004355154 https://brill.com/display/title/35809?language=en Logres Institute. https://www.logresinstitute.org/ Julius Caesar (1953 movie). https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045943/ https://diaryofamoviemaniac.wordpress.com/2021/08/06/julius-caesar-1953/ Alan Napier. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Napier Cicero's "Hortensius." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hortensius_(Cicero) ----- HOSTS Joshua Bowman is Executive Director of the Ciceronian Society, and earned a PhD in politics from the Catholic University of America. Christopher Anadale is podcast editor for the Ciceronian Society, and Associate Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Katherine L. Bradshaw is a Latin and Greek Fellow with the Ancient Language Institute and a Ph.D. student in Humanities through Faulkner University. She has an M.A. in Classics from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in English from the George Washington University. ----- TEXTS Translation we read from: https://www.cambridge.org/us/universitypress/subjects/politics-international-relations/texts-political-thought/cicero-duties?format=PB&isbn=9780521348355 Another (free) translation: https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/cicero-on-moral-duties-de-officiis ----- The Ciceronian Society encourages and equips Christian Scholars as they serve the church. To learn more, visit https://ciceroniansociety.org/ Check out our other Podcast, THE SOWER: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1B7f66VCvfZnkwh_UjXjhXEg5P8dUq0q Music: No. 4 Piano Journey, by Esther Abrami #cicero #philosophy #ethics Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Episode 27(00:04:08) - Book 2 Ch 1-2, Cicero's Philosophy(00:14:32) - Book 2 Ch 3-4, Personal Reflections on Cicero's Fall from Power(00:24:06) - Book 2 Ch 5-6, Cicero's Defense of Philosophy(00:31:21) - Book 2 ch 7-8, Cicero on Persuasion and Skepticism

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About

Reading of & commentary on Cicero's work On Duties (De Officiis)

Information

  • Creator
    The Ciceronian Society
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Cicero On Duties

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