The Virtue of Cato: Stoicism and Political Engagement

This chapter examines the complexities of virtue, rationality, and political engagement through the life of Marcus Cato, a senator renowned for his staunch opposition to Caesar. It highlights the interplay between Cato's strict adherence to Stoicism and the political realities of his time, illustrating the philosophical underpinnings of his actions. The discussion considers the implications of Cato's principles on the decline of the Roman Republic and contrasts his rigid philosophy with that of contemporaries like Marcus Aurelius.