View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Cicero, how does he view tyrannies?
(a) Stable.
(b) Unstable.
(c) Needed.
(d) Unnecessary.

2. Who did Cicero influence, according to Grant?
(a) The modern philosphers.
(b) The Renaissance art.
(c) The Italian church.
(d) The children of the time.

3. What is the purpose of the book "On Duties"?
(a) So people will reassess their lives.
(b) To challenge its readers.
(c) To inspire its readers.
(d) So statesmen can come to know their duties.

4. Why is statesmanship destroyed, according to "On Duties"?
(a) It isn't destroyed.
(b) Because the opportunities of statesmanship are destroyed.
(c) Caesar eliminates its possibility to continue.
(d) Because no one desires it anymore.

5. According to the introduction, what was Cicero considered to be?
(a) A radical.
(b) A saint.
(c) An individualist who believed in human rights.
(d) A philospher.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are external goods always at risk of, according to Cicero?

2. What does Grant state Cicero was excellent at doing?

3. What type of interest did the Romans have towards philosophy, according to Grant?

4. According to the introduction, what did Cicero take refuge in after a divorce, fights with friends, and his daughter's death?

5. In "On Duties," which book is only reproduced in this particular selection of readings?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do wise rulers win their subjects, according to Cicero?

2. What are 'preferables,' 'unpreferables,' and 'indifferents' according to the Stoics?

3. What did the Stoics believe made a happy life and did their belief mean?

4. What does Discussions at Tusculum discuss?

5. What did the Greeks believe made a happy life?

6. How did Cicero popularize many ideas and with whom?

7. Describe what Cicero said about justice and intelligence, in "On Duties."

8. What type of system of government did Cicero prefer in "On Duties"?

9. What will breed resentment among a ruler's subjects?

10. Describe why Cicero worried about the Roman republic.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 587 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample