Cicero, On the Republic: Defining Republican Government in Terms of Justice

Flashcards based on key concepts and terminology from Cicero's work on republican government and justice.

Commonwealth

A partnership for the common good, defined by a multitude of people associated in agreement with respect to justice.

Res publica

Latin term meaning 'public matter', referring to the state as a commonwealth.

Justice

An essential component of a commonwealth; a partnership for the common good that is centered on a mutual understanding of right.

Mixed regime

A political system that combines elements of democracy, aristocracy, and monarchy, preferred by Cicero for its incorporation of various perspectives.

Natural law

A philosophical concept asserting the existence of a universal law that does not change over time or place, discussed by Laelius in response to Philus.

Prudence

The practical wisdom of statesmen that Cicero views as superior to the theoretical knowledge of philosophers in the context of politics.

Injustice

The condition described by Philus as an inevitability in ruling a commonwealth, particularly in opposition to justice.

Cardinal virtues

The four fundamental virtues in classical philosophy: wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice.

Vera lex

The 'true law' argued by Laelius, which transcends time and place and is essential for humanity.

Statesman vs. Philosopher

Cicero’s belief that the practical experience of statesmen in governance is more valuable than the abstract ideas of philosophers.