Reading Response 1 Due On Thursday, Jan 30. Please Write A C

Reading Response 1 Due On Thursday Jan 30please Write A Comparison O

Write a comparison of any two out of the three men you read about in Plutarch’s Lives (Lycurgus, Alexander, and Caesar). If you wish, you may model your response on Plutarch’s comparisons included in his work (e.g., between Lycurgus and Numa). Your comparison should be based on a specific criterion: either ethics or through a persona perspective.

Option 1: If you choose ethics, determine who is more ethical between the two men and specify the definition of ethics used for your evaluation. Consider whether Plutarch’s judgments align with your understanding of ethics or if his definition differs, based on what you glean from the texts.

Option 2: Write from the perspective of an assumed persona—such as Plutarch himself, one of the men (Lycurgus, Alexander, or Caesar), or an outside observer. Think about how this persona might evaluate the comparison, and choose an appropriate genre for your response, such as a letter, journal entry, news report, or prose poem.

Paper For Above instruction

Throughout history, leaders have been subject to moral scrutiny, with their decisions and personal virtues often put into stark contrast to understand what makes them exemplary or flawed. Two towering figures from antiquity who are frequently compared are Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar. Both men epitomize ambition, military genius, and political acumen, yet their ethical compositions offer a rich terrain for comparison from different perspectives. This essay juxtaposes their ethical character and examines how a persona—such as a Roman senator or a Greek historian—might view their legacies through a moral lens.

Introduction

In exploring the ethical dimensions of Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, I argue that their actions and intentions reveal contrasting approaches to power and morality. While both men exhibited extraordinary intelligence and ambition, their methods and the ethical implications of their deeds differ markedly. By analyzing their lives through a moral framework, I aim to discern who aligns more closely with a virtue-based view of ethics, and how a persona from their worlds might interpret these differences.

Comparison of Ethical Conduct

Alexander the Great, tutored by Aristotle, was driven by a vision of unity among diverse peoples and a desire to spread Greek culture. His conquests often involved brutality and destruction, yet he also showed elements of magnanimity and respect towards certain cultures, integrating local customs into his empire. His ethical stance appears complex: motivated by a mix of personal ambition, a desire for fame, and a philosophical pursuit of greatness. His actions can be interpreted as embodying the virtue of courage but sometimes sacrificing justice and temperance.

Julius Caesar, by contrast, demonstrated a pragmatic approach to power, often employing cunning, alliances, and ruthless decision-making to advance his political career. His crossing of the Rubicon and subsequent dictatorship reflect a disregard for traditional republican ethics, favoring personal power over common good. Caesar’s ethics seem utilitarian, prioritizing stability and personal glory, often at the expense of moral virtue as defined by later standards. His actions raise questions about justice, loyalty, and the morality of using violence for political ends.

Perspective of a Persona

If I were a Roman senator, I might admire Caesar’s strategic brilliance and decisive leadership. Yet, I would also be distressed by the breach of republican norms and the erosion of moral virtue that his pursuit of power entailed. Conversely, if I assumed the persona of an Athenian scholar, I might praise Alexander’s magnanimity and philosophical curiosity, even as I critique the violence inherent in his conquests. Alternatively, imagining Lycurgus observing these figures, he might value their courage but question their justice and moderation, virtues he esteemed highly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Alexander and Caesar showcase elements of ethical complexity—driven by greatness, ambition, and pragmatism. However, from a moral standpoint rooted in virtue ethics, Alexander may appear more balanced, exhibiting a desire for cultural integration alongside bravery, whereas Caesar’s actions lean towards utilitarian expediency at the expense of moral virtues. A persona from their worlds would likely weigh these factors differently, emphasizing either their strategic genius or moral shortcomings, thus reflecting the multifaceted nature of leadership ethics across history.

References

• Goldhill, S. (2007). Reading Greek Tragedy. Cambridge University Press.
• Green, P. (1990). Alexander to Actium: The Historical Evolution of the Hellenistic Age. University of California Press.
• Plutarch. (1914). Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans. Harvard University Press.
• Seager, R. (2002). Caesar: Life of a Colossus. Yale University Press.
• Walbank, F. W. (1967). The Hellenistic World. Harvard University Press.
• Wheeler, E. (1998). The Virtues of Leadership. Routledge.
• Fuller, J. F. C. (1962). The Conduct of War. Penguin Books.
• Hanson, V. D. (2001). Carnage and Culture: Landmark Battles in the Rise of Western Power. Doubleday.
• Grant, M. (1978). The Roman Emperors: A Biographical Guide to the Rulers of Imperial Rome. Barnes & Noble Books.
• Borza, E. N. (1990). In the Shadow of Olympus: The Emergence of Macedon. Pragmatic Press.