ABSTRACT
This chapter considers ethical themes in the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius against the wider context of early Stoic ethics. It examines his references to living consistently with Nature against the backdrop of early Stoic debates about the telos formula. It also considers Marcus’s many references to the traditional virtues, again against the backdrop of the early Stoic focus on four cardinal virtues of wisdom, moderation, courage, and justice. Among all the virtues he mentions, Marcus reflects on justice more than any other. Potential Platonic influences are considered, but discounted, and his concern with justice is connected back to his commitment to the Stoic telos of living consistently with Nature. Finally, it considers passages that advocate spontaneous ethical action.
