The Nature of the Gods

by Cicero, J. Ross (Introduction)

Overview

Towards the end of his life, Cicero turned away from his oratorical and political career and looked instead to matters of philosophy and religion. The dialogue The Nature of the Gods both explores his own views on these subjects, as a monotheist and member of the Academic School, and considers the opinion of other philosophical schools of the Hellenistic age through the figures of Velleius the Epicurean and Balbus the Stoic. Eloquent, clearly argued and surprisingly modern, it focuses upon a series of fundamental religious questions including: is there a God? If so, does he answer prayers, or intervene in human affairs? Does he know the future? Does morality need the support of religion? Profoundly influential on later thinkers, such as Saint Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, this is a fascinating consideration of fundamental issues of faith and philosophical thought.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780141959290
Publisher:	Penguin UK
Publication date:	10/28/2004
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC), Roman orator and statesman, was born at Arpinum of a wealthy local family. By 70 BC he had established himself as the leading barrister in Rome, and was elected praetor in the year 66. Obtaining honours usually reserved for members of the aristocracy, Cicero was an uncompromising politician, and the greatest Roman orator.

Horace C. P. McGregor graduated from Brasenose College, Oxford, in classics and philosophy. He entered the Home Office where he served until his retirement in 1967. He died in 1993.

John M. Ross was a colleague of McGregor's, also with a degree in classics and philosophy.

Table of Contents

Introduction A Note on the Translation Book I Book II Book III Appendix I: Fragments Appendix II: Imaginary Continuation of the Dialogue List of Books Glossary Index