Question

Read Cicero's views on revenge and answer the question that follows. "… there are certain duties that we owe even to those who have wronged us. For there is a limit to retribution and to punishment; or rather, I am inclined to think, it is sufficient that the aggressor should be brought to repent of his wrong-doing, in order that he may not repeat the offence and that others may be deterred from doing wrong. Then, too, in the case of a state in its external relations, the rights of war must be strictly observed. For since there are two ways of settling a dispute: first, by discussion; second, by physical force; and since the former is characteristic of man, the latter of the brute, we must resort to force only in case we may not avail ourselves of discussion." What is the central idea of this excerpt from Cicero's De Officiis? a. Revenge is never necessary. b. One should always settle disagreements with war. c. When it comes to war, discussions are never beneficial. d. Instead of seeking revenge, we should discuss one's wrongdoings.

Answer 1

The central idea of this excerpt from Cicero's De Officiis is that d) instead of seeking revenge, we should discuss one's wrongdoings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central idea of this excerpt from Cicero's De Officiis is that instead of seeking revenge, we should discuss one's wrongdoings.

Cicero argues that there are certain duties we owe even to those who have wronged us. He believes that the purpose of punishment is to bring the aggressor to repentance and prevent them from repeating the offense, rather than seeking revenge for its own sake.

Cicero also emphasizes the importance of discussion over physical force in settling disputes, as the former distinguishes humans from brutes.