Latin Philosophy (in Latin)
This selection of texts constitutes an introduction to Stoic ethics, in particular in the form it took in Roman times. Cicero’s De Finibus III offers the best extant ancient survey of Stoic moral theory. De Officiis I is based on an important treatise by the Stoic Panaetius on what it is appropriate to do. The texts by Seneca are samples of moral writing by a Roman Stoic. The examination includes a compulsory question with passages for translation and critical comment, as well as essay questions.
Cicero. De Finibus III. Text: Reynolds (OCT). Translation: Cicero on Stoic Good and Evil, edited by M. R. Wright (Aris & Phillips). De Officiis I (studied in translation). Cicero on Duties, edited by M. T. Griffin & E. M. Atkins (Cambridge).
Seneca. Epistulae Morales 92, 95, 121. Text: Reynolds (OCT). Translation: Gummere (Loeb). Epistulae Morales, vol. 3. De Constantia & De Vita Beata. Text: Reynolds (OCT). Translation: Basore (Loeb), Moral Essays, vols. 1 & 2.
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