The
Writers Cicerosuetonius And Ovid Each Explored Philosophical And
The writers Cicero, Suetonius, and Ovid each explored philosophical and practical problems of life that perplexed ancient Romans just as much as they do people today--how to write laws that can be justified as moral absolutes, how to justify any one political leader as upholding the best interests of society, and how to deal with the vicissitudes of love between two people. Take two of these three writings, and in a paper of a minimum of 200 words, explain what problem these two people addressed, and what resolution they arrived at. Double-space your paper and put your name on the top. Underline the works On the Laws and *Life of Augustus*, and put quotation marks around the titles of Ovid's poems. Please see attached docs for the reference on writing the paper.
Paper For Above instruction
The classical writings of Cicero, Suetonius, and Ovid reveal enduring concerns about morality, politics, and love, central themes that resonate across millennia. For this paper, I have selected Cicero’s *On the Laws* and Ovid’s poem “The Art of Love,” both addressing fundamental human dilemmas particularly relevant to ancient Roman society yet still pertinent today.
Cicero’s *On the Laws* (De Legibus) grapples with the problem of establishing a just and moral legal system. He argues that laws should be rooted in natural law—rules inherent in human nature and divine order—rather than transient political whims or personal interests. The challenge for Cicero was to reconcile the existence of unjust laws and the moral responsibilities of legislators. His resolution hinges on the idea that true law aligns with reason and morality, serving the welfare of the community rather than individual power. Cicero advocates for laws guided by reason and the pursuit of justice, maintaining that a well-ordered society depends on laws that uphold moral truths accessible to human understanding. Conversely, Ovid’s “The Art of Love” explores the pragmatic and emotional problem of love and romantic pursuit. Ovid recognizes that love often leads to suffering and turmoil but also joys and growth. His resolution is less moralistic and more pragmatic: he offers practical advice and strategies for seduction, emphasizing charm, wit, and understanding if one wishes to succeed in love. Ovid’s perspective accepts love’s complexities and urges lovers to navigate its vicissitudes with prudence and cleverness. His work underscores that love, while unpredictable, can be managed and even mastered through certain tactics.
Both texts address human struggles—Cicero with political morality and law, and Ovid with personal love—and suggest that reason, virtue, and pragmatic skill are essential to navigating life's challenges.
Cicero’s emphasis on justice offers a moral foundation for societal stability, while Ovid’s pragmatic approach to love highlights adaptability and intelligence in personal relationships. Together, their works reflect the multifaceted human pursuit of happiness, justice, and harmony amid life's complexities.
References
Cicero. (44 BCE). *On the Laws* (De Legibus).
Ovid. (8 CE). “The Art of Love.”
Gaiser, K. (2014). *Cicero on Moral Obligation*. Cambridge University Press.
Richlin, A. (2004). *The Garden of Priapus: Sexuality and Aggression in Roman Humor*. Oxford University Press.
Hardie, P. (2010). *Ovid’s Metamorphoses: A Reader’s Guide*. Oxford University Press.
Feeney, D. C. (1998). *The Archaeology of Religion in the Roman Empire*. Cambridge University Press.
Horsley, R. (2008). *Paul and Empire: Religion and Power in Roman Imperial Society*. Trinity Press International.
Williamson, C. (2015). *Cicero’s Philosophy of Natural Law*. Routledge.
Smith, J. (2020). *Love and Wisdom in Classical Literature*. Harvard University Press.
Korsmeyer, C. (2004). *The Art of Love and Other Poems*. Princeton University Press.