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☀️ C3 (MUST-DO): Historical Dilemma - Should morals be governed?

Last updated about 3 years ago
6 questions
Read about the job of the Roman censors and then answer the question about whether or not their job was necessary.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_censor
The censor (at any time, there were two) was a magistrate in ancient Rome who was responsible for maintaining the census, supervising public morality, and overseeing certain aspects of the government's finances.

The power of the censor was absolute: no magistrate could oppose his decisions, and only another censor who succeeded him could cancel those decisions.
The censor's regulation of public morality is the origin of the modern meaning of the words censor and censorship.

They were constituted as the conservators of public morality; they were not simply to prevent crime or particular acts of immorality, but rather to maintain the traditional Roman character, ethics, and habits...
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The Roman Censor was responsible for maintaining the _______, supervising public _______, and overseeing parts of the government's _______.
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Today, we get the two words _______ and _______ from the idea of the Roman censor.
...the offences which are recorded to have been punished by the censors are of a threefold nature.
  1. Offenses in the private life of individuals:
- Living in celibacy at a time when a person ought to be married to provide the state with citizens.
- The obligation of marrying was frequently impressed upon the citizens by the censors, and the refusal to fulfil it was punished with a fine (aes uxorium). - The dissolution of matrimony or betrothment in an improper way, or for insufficient reasons. - Improper conduct towards one's wife or children, as well as harshness or too great indulgence towards children, and disobedience of the latter towards their parents. - Inordinate and luxurious mode of living, or an extravagant expenditure of money. A great many instances of this kind are recorded.
- Neglect and carelessness in cultivating one's fields. - Cruelty towards slaves or clients. - The carrying on of a disreputable trade or occupation, such as acting in theatres.
2. Offences committed in public life:

- If a magistrate acted in a manner not befitting his dignity as an officer, if he was accessible to bribes. - Perjury. - Neglect, disobedience, and cowardice of soldiers in the army.
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In your opinion, are any of the offenses listed above things that the government should NOT be involved in? Why do you think that?

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Are any of the offenses that the Roman censors had to deal with still issues in our world today? Which ones?

Sometimes people blame the collapse of a society on a decline in morals in that society - saying that people are no longer "good" or asking "what is wrong with people today?"

Use this list of commonly-accepted morals in our society today to answer the questions that follow:
  • Always tell the truth
  • Do not destroy property
  • Have courage
  • Keep your promises
  • Do not cheat
  • Treat others as you want to be treated
  • Do not judge
  • Be dependable
  • Be forgiving
  • Have integrity
  • Take responsibility for your actions
  • Have patience
  • Be loyal
  • Have respect for yourself and others
  • Be tolerant of differences
  • Seek justice
  • Have humility
  • Be generous
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Do you think people in our society today do a good job of following these moral standards? Why do you think that?

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Do you think our society could be ruined if people don't follow these moral standards? Why do you think that?