Cicero's On The Republic
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Reading and Writing Workshop
Cicero and the Foundations of the Republic
Overview
This workshop explores On the Republic by Marcus Tullius Cicero, a foundational Roman political and philosophical dialogue. Through close reading, discussion, and analytical and creative writing, students will examine Cicero’s vision of justice, the ideal state, natural law, and the role of the citizen.
Session 1: Introducing Cicero and Roman Political Philosophy
Session 2: Justice and the Ideal State
Session 3: Natural Law and the Role of Reason
Session 4: The Citizen’s Duty and the Common Good
Session 5: The Dream of Scipio – Cosmology and Duty
Session 6: Legacy and Relevance – Cicero Across Time
Overview
This workshop explores On the Republic by Marcus Tullius Cicero, a foundational Roman political and philosophical dialogue. Through close reading, discussion, and analytical and creative writing, students will examine Cicero’s vision of justice, the ideal state, natural law, and the role of the citizen.
Session 1: Introducing Cicero and Roman Political Philosophy
- Reading Focus: Who was Cicero? What was the Roman Republic? What are the main ideas in On the Republic?
- Reading: Introduction and Book I of Cicero's On the Republic
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54158 - Writing Activity: Summarize Cicero’s idea of justice in your own words. What comparisons can you draw between Cicero’s time and today?
- Discussion Prompt: What does Cicero mean by a "mixed constitution"? Why does he believe it to be the best?
Session 2: Justice and the Ideal State
- Reading Focus: Cicero’s concept of justice and the duties of rulers.
- Reading: On the Republic, Book II
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54158 - Writing Activity: Write a letter to a fictional ruler explaining how Cicero’s views on justice could guide their leadership.
- Discussion Prompt: How does Cicero use the story of Scipio to illustrate his points? What virtues does Cicero prioritize?
Session 3: Natural Law and the Role of Reason
- Reading Focus: The concept of natural law and how it shapes human law and morality.
- Reading: Excerpt from Book III (fragments on natural law)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54158 - Supplemental Reading: Cicero’s On the Laws, Book I (Natural Law)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54159 - Writing Activity: Compare Cicero’s natural law with modern human rights ideas. Create a short argumentative essay.
- Discussion Prompt: Can laws be unjust? What makes a law legitimate, according to Cicero?
Session 4: The Citizen’s Duty and the Common Good
- Reading Focus: Civic responsibility, patriotism, and the relationship between the individual and the state.
- Reading: On the Republic, Book V (surviving fragments)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54158 - Writing Activity: Write a speech from the perspective of a Roman citizen defending the Republic using Cicero’s ideals.
- Discussion Prompt: What does Cicero think the ideal citizen should be like? Do we share these expectations today?
Session 5: The Dream of Scipio – Cosmology and Duty
- Reading Focus: The Dream of Scipio – Cicero’s metaphysical conclusion to On the Republic
- Reading: The Dream of Scipio (Book VI of On the Republic)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14988 - Writing Activity: Write a reflective essay: What is your personal “republic”? What principles govern your ideal world?
- Discussion Prompt: How does Cicero connect political duty with cosmic harmony? What is the role of the soul?
Session 6: Legacy and Relevance – Cicero Across Time
- Reading Focus: Cicero’s influence on Enlightenment thinkers and modern republicanism.
- Reading: Excerpts from Montesquieu’s The Spirit of the Laws and Locke’s Second Treatise on Government
Montesquieu: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27501
Locke: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7370 - Writing Activity: Comparative essay: How did Cicero influence Enlightenment thought? Is he still relevant today?
- Discussion Prompt: In what ways can Cicero’s republican ideals inform contemporary politics?