Subject
Ethics -- Early works to 1800 Books
Best books
Marcus Tullius Cicero
De Officiis
"De Officiis" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a treatise written in 44 BC, during the final months of Cicero's life. Addressed as a letter to his son studying in Athens, this three-part work explores how to live morally and fulfill one's duties. Cicero examines what is honorable, what serves one's advantage, and how to navigate apparent conflicts between virtue and personal gain. Drawing on Stoic philosophy and Roman history, he argues that true virtue and expediency never truly conflict—only seeming to do so.
Plato
Gorgias
"Gorgias" by Plato is a Socratic dialogue written around 380 BC. Through probing questions at a dinner gathering, Socrates challenges self-proclaimed teachers of rhetoric about the true nature of their craft. Is rhetoric an art or merely flattery? Can persuasive speech be moral without philosophy? The dialogue explores whether the power of words serves truth and justice, or simply pleasure and political advantage, as Socrates confronts the celebrated rhetoricians of Athens.
Plutarch
Plutarch's Morals
"Plutarch's Morals" by Plutarch is a collection of essays and speeches written in the 1st century. This eclectic work contains 78 pieces exploring Roman and Greek life alongside timeless philosophical observations. From discussions of Alexander the Great and Egyptian religious rites to explorations of divine justice and peace of mind, the collection ranges from serious treatises to humorous dialogues. These essays profoundly influenced European thought for generations, shaping Renaissance Humanists and Enlightenment philosophers alike.
Plato
Meno
"Meno" by Plato is a Socratic dialogue written around 385 BC. The work begins with a simple question: Can virtue be taught? As Socrates and his young interlocutor Meno pursue this inquiry, they encounter profound puzzles about the nature of knowledge itself. How can we search for what we don't know? Why is knowledge more valuable than true belief? Through dialectical exchange and a famous geometric demonstration with a slave, Plato explores recollection, learning, and the immortality of the soul.
Adam Smith
The Theory of Moral Sentiments Or, an Essay Towards an Analysis of the Principles by Which Men Naturally Judge Concerning the Conduct and Character, First of Their Neighbours, and Afterwards of Themselves. to Which Is Added, a Dissertation on the Origin of Languages.
"The Theory of Moral Sentiments" by Adam Smith is a philosophical work published in 1759. It explores how humans form moral judgments through sympathy—the ability to imaginatively understand others' feelings by placing ourselves in their situations. Smith examines the foundations of ethical behavior, the limits of human moral capacity, and how self-interest paradoxically serves society's broader good. The book provided the philosophical groundwork for Smith's later economic theories, offering insights into human nature that bridge moral philosophy and social behavior.
Bernard Mandeville
The Fable of the Bees; Or, Private Vices, Public Benefits
"The Fable of the Bees; Or, Private Vices, Public Benefits" by Bernard Mandeville is a philosophical work written in the early 18th century. The text explores the complex interplay between individual vices and the collective benefits they purportedly provide to society. Through allegorical storytelling, Mandeville examines moral values, questioning the conventional notions of virtue while illustrating how personal greed and selfishness can lead to a flourishing civilization. The opening of the work lays out Mandeville's critical view of social dynamics, using the metaphor of a bee hive to symbolize human society. He introduces the concept that the bees (representing people) thrive on both cooperation and vice, suggesting that even the most despised traits contribute to societal success. He critiques the apparent disconnect between the moral expectations of individuals and the economic realities that often require selfish behaviors for communal prosperity. Through this engaging metaphor, Mandeville sets the stage for a deeper inquiry into moral virtue and the nature of society.
Plato
Charmides
"Charmides" by Plato is a philosophical dialogue written in ancient Greece. Socrates returns from battle and encounters the handsome young Charmides at a wrestling school, initiating a provocative inquiry into the nature of sophrosyne—temperance or self-control. Through exchanges with Charmides and his mentor Critias, Socrates dismantles each proposed definition, from quietness to self-knowledge. The dialogue explores profound questions about virtue and wisdom while never reaching a final answer, leaving readers to grapple with these timeless philosophical challenges themselves.
Plutarch
Selected Essays of Plutarch, Vol. II.
"Selected Essays of Plutarch, Vol. II" by Plutarch is a collection of philosophical and moral essays written in the late first century. This volume primarily features dialogues that explore topics such as divine providence, the nature of oracles, and the heroic exploits of historical figures like Socrates and Pelopidas. The essays are characterized by Plutarch's deep interest in ethics and human virtue, examining the interplay between character, fate, and moral responsibility. The opening of this volume introduces the dialogue "On the Genius of Socrates," where characters engage in a discussion surrounding the historical recovery of Thebes from Spartan rule, intertwining themes of courage and moral philosophy. Capheisias recounts the events surrounding this mission, while the characters delve into the meaning of Socrates' divine sign, a mysterious guiding presence that influenced his decisions. The narrative is rich with references to historical events, philosophical inquiries, and character studies, setting the stage for a broader exploration of how virtue and ethics manifest in human actions and decisions.
Marcus Tullius Cicero
The Academic Questions, Treatise De Finibus, and Tusculan Disputations, of M.T. Cicero, With a Sketch of the Greek Philosophers Mentioned by Cicero
"The Academic Questions, Treatise De Finibus, and Tusculan Disputations" by M.T. Cicero is a philosophical treatise written in the late 19th century. This work includes translations and discussions of various philosophical ideas attributed to Socrates and other ancient Greek philosophers, addressing topics such as ethics, virtue, and the nature of the good life. Cicero aims to present philosophical ideals in a form accessible to his contemporaries, emphasizing the importance of philosophy for personal and societal improvement. At the start of this collection, Cicero introduces the intent behind his work as he converses with friends discussing the necessity and value of engaging with philosophy, particularly the Greek philosophical traditions. The opening portion recounts a dialogue in which Cicero's friend, Varro, discusses his own philosophical pursuits and the reasons behind his writing. The discussion navigates through the significance of philosophy in contemporary life, its historical roots, and the challenge of expressing complex ideas in Latin. The participants reflect on the influence of previous philosophers, including Socrates and Plato, and the importance of translating and discussing these ideas in their native language to enrich their understanding and practices.
Plutarch
Selected Essays of Plutarch, Vol. I.
"Selected Essays of Plutarch, Vol. I" by Plutarch is a collection of philosophical essays thought to be written in the early second century AD. This work comprises an array of themes that reflect upon various aspects of ethics, education, and social conduct, providing readers insight into the moral landscape of the time. The essays serve to illustrate Plutarch's ideas and philosophical beliefs, ultimately aiming to instruct readers in the art of living a virtuous life. The opening of the collection presents a preface and introduction that frame the following essays, establishing Plutarch's credentials and the historical context of his work. The translator, T. G. Tucker, notes the essays' significance in understanding the civilization of the middle classes around the year 100 AD. He indicates that these essays are not merely the most renowned of Plutarch's writings, but rather chosen for their representative qualities and the range of engaging topics they cover. The start introduces key themes of education, civic responsibility, virtue, and interpretation of social conduct, laying a foundation for the ensuing discussions, which include a unique allegorical dinner party featuring the Seven Sages of Greece, bringing together wisdom and social interaction.
Plato
Gorgias
"Gorgias" by Plato is a Socratic dialogue written around 380 BC. In this work, Socrates confronts self-proclaimed teachers of rhetoric at a dinner gathering, challenging their claims about the art of persuasion. Through pointed questioning, he explores whether rhetoric is truly a craft or merely flattery, examines its moral implications, and investigates the relationship between persuasive speech and truth. The dialogue reveals tensions between philosophical inquiry and the popular rhetorical education valued in classical Athens.
Unknown
Political fragments of Archytas, Charondas, Zaleucus, and other ancient Pythagoreans, preserved by Stobæus : $b and also, Ethical fragments of Hierocles, the celebrated commentator on the Golden Pythagoric Verses, preserved by the same author
"Political Fragments of Archytas, Charondas, Zaleucus, and other ancient Pythagoreans" is a collection of philosophical writings from ancient Greece, likely compiled in the early 19th century. This volume preserves valuable insights from notable Pythagorean thinkers and legislators, exploring themes of governance, ethics, and the structure of society. Through the lens of political philosophy, it addresses the roles of different societal classes and the function of laws in shaping a just and harmonious community. The opening of this work begins with a transcriber's note and an introduction that contextualizes the fragments to follow, praising their antiquity and wisdom. It elaborates on the significance of the authors, including legislators Charondas and Zaleucus, highlighting their philosophical connections to Pythagorean teachings. The text then transitions into a thorough discussion on the structure of political society, dividing it into classes based on virtue and occupation, and emphasizing the need for laws and moral education to ensure societal wellbeing. Importantly, it underscores the mutual dependencies of governance, law, and individual conduct within the broader scope of community and ethics.
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