One of the Public Virtues. Public Virtues are often bypassed in the idea of seeking to improve oneself in the Roman worl. The Roman culture also strived to uphold Virtues which applied to all of the Roman culture as a common entity. Their importanc to the ancient Romans is made apparent by the fact that many of them were made a part of the coin minting process and in this way could be shared by all in the Roman World.
In some areas these Virtues were eemed to be so important to the Roman Culture that the Virtue was seen as a separate god, and was provided the respect due to a Roman Diety.

"Aequitas" can be and often is defined as "Equity" or the fair dealing both within government and among the people.

In my personal view of this Vitue, it seems to me, that half-truths and the undermining of others with whom we may disagree is not fair dealing. To be sure, there are occasions for disagreement, as occur every day, but disagreement does not have to be an insulting put-down, just because one person disagrees with another. It would seem to be far more beneficial to seriously consider the "other view" find the good points therein, and then place your own views for another's consideration.

The advantages here are obvious, in that in that way, no lasting unpleasantness is generated, (and make no mistake, that unpleasantness takes a long time to dissapate) you may learn something of which you were not aware, and you may provide another with information of which they were not aware.

As elements to this virtue are Comitas (humor), courtesy, openess, and friendliness; Clemencia (mercy) or a mildness and gentleness, necessary in dealing wth new people and new ideas; Severitas (Self Control)to recieve new ideas and concepts with uderstanding and patience; and Veritas
(Honesty)and Truthfullness in dealing with others.

Thus the Publc Virtues are particularly important for those of us who hold a public elected or an appointed office, and those who work closely with other people.