# Cicero — The Theory of Moral Sentiments character guide

> Cicero in The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0064-i-of-those-systems-which-make-virtue-consist-in-propriety

## Who they are

Roman statesman and philosopher referenced on propriety and moral sentiments.

## Relationships

### [Aristotle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/aristotle)

_psychological_

Cicero admired and drew upon Aristotle's ethical works, treating him as a foundational authority.

## In the story

### [Section II: Of Justice and Beneficence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/section-ii-of-justice-and-beneficence)

Referenced in the context of moral philosophy and the distinction between justice and beneficence.

### [II: Of the Love of Praise, and of That of Praiseworthiness; and of the Dread of Blame, and of That of Blameworthiness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/ii-of-the-love-of-praise-and-of-that-of-praiseworthiness-and-of-the-dread-of-blame-and-of-that-of-blameworthiness)

Quoted regarding the inconsistency of despising glory while being mortified by unjust reproach.

### [II: Of the Order in Which Societies Are by Nature Recommended to Our Beneficence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/ii-of-the-order-in-which-societies-are-by-nature-recommended-to-our-beneficence)

Cicero is referenced for his endorsement of Plato's divine maxim: never to use violence against one's country, as a guide for the public-spirited reformer.

### [Of Those Systems Which Make Virtue Consist in Prudence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/ii-of-those-systems-which-make-virtue-consist-in-prudence)

Referenced as a source for Epicurus's doctrines, specifically his work 'De finibus'.

### [IV: Of Licentious Systems](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/iv-of-licentious-systems)

Cicero, though an enemy of Epicureanism, borrows from Epicurus to argue that virtue alone secures happiness.

### [Section IV: Of the Manner in Which Different Authors Have Treated of the Practical Rules of Morality](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/section-iv-of-the-manner-in-which-different-authors-have-treated-of-the-practical-rules-of-morality)

Cited as an ancient moralist who, in his 'Offices', directs us to the practice of the four cardinal virtues.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/endnotes)

Referenced in footnotes regarding De finibus and as part of a quotation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/cicero
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters