"The function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil"

Cicero’s assertion that the function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil speaks to the essential role of discernment in living a virtuous life. Wisdom is not merely the accumulation of knowledge or the ability to recall facts. Rather, its highest purpose is ethical: to guide human beings in making judgments about their actions, intentions, and desires. The distinction between good and evil is at the core of philosophical inquiry and moral decision-making. For Cicero, to be wise is to perceive not only what is true, but also what ought to be done.

This process of discrimination requires both intellectual acuity and moral sensitivity. Merely knowing what good and evil are in the abstract is insufficient; the truly wise person must apply this knowledge in the complexity of real-life situations. Every day presents choices, often burdened with ambiguous consequences, social pressures, and conflicting interests. Wisdom enables a person to cut through these complications, weighing the righteousness of each option and aligning actions with the greater good.

Furthermore, Cicero situates wisdom as the defining attribute that sets virtuous people apart. Other faculties, such as courage or moderation, depend on the correct identification of worthy ends. Without the guiding light of wisdom, even the most well-intentioned actions can go astray. By discriminating between good and evil, individuals are equipped to pursue justice, foster harmony, and cultivate their own moral character.

Through this lens, wisdom does not function in isolation but in concert with other virtues. Its role is fundamentally practical, informing choices both great and small. In turbulent times or moments of temptation, it steers individuals away from harmful or ignoble paths, directing them toward what is just and beneficial. Ultimately, wisdom’s capacity to discern right from wrong underpins the pursuit of a meaningful, ethical life.