Speeches on Justice - Classic Text | Alexandria
Speeches on Justice by Carneades (c. 214-129 BCE) represents one of the most influential and controversial philosophical discourses of the Hellenistic period, delivered during the philosopher's famous embassy to Rome in 155 BCE. These paired speeches, known for their dialectical opposition, demonstrated both the defense and critique of justice, showcasing Carneades' masterful deployment of Academic skepticism and his ability to argue convincingly for opposing positions.
The speeches first entered historical record through Cicero's "De Re Publica" and Lactantius' later accounts, though their complete original text has been lost to time. Delivered during a pivotal moment in Roman-Greek cultural exchange, these orations emerged when Athens sent Carneades, along with Diogenes of Babylon and Critolaus, as ambassadors to negotiate a reduction of a fine imposed on Athens. The diplomatic mission transformed into a philosophical sensation when Carneades delivered his lectures on consecutive days, first praising justice as the foundation of civilization, then arguing against it as a form of sanctified self-interest.
The intellectual impact of these speeches reverberated throughout ancient Rome, causing significant controversy among conservative Romans, including Cato the Elder, who advocated for the quick dismissal of the Greek philosophers from Rome, fearing their influence on Roman youth. The speeches exemplified the Academic skeptic's method of arguing in utramque partem (on both sides of the question), demonstrating how compelling arguments could be constructed for opposing viewpoints. This methodological approach profoundly influenced Roman rhetorical education and philosophical discourse.
The legacy of Carneades' Speeches on Justice continues to intrigue scholars and philosophers, raising fundamental questions about the nature of justice, moral relativism, and the relationship between rhetoric and truth. Modern interpretations have found particular resonance in legal philosophy, ethical relativism debates, and discussions of international justice. The speeches serve as a reminder of philosophy's power to challenge established beliefs and the enduring relevance of ancient ethical debates to contemporary moral questions. What remains particularly fascinating is how these lost speeches, known only through secondary sources, continue to provoke crucial discussions about the foundations of justice and moral reasoning in modern society.