Author Description

This comprehensive anthology of Cicero's works contains his Tuscalan Disputations, his treatises on the divine, and the 'De re Publica' - otherwise known as On the Commonwealth. Originally conceived by Cicero as a method of popularising the Stoical form of philosophy to which he subscribed, the Tusculan Disputations explain, in five books on specific topics, the principles and merits of the Stoic outlook on life. The benefits of adopting the Stoical mindset, from a rational, measured reaction to physical pain and illness, to the mental anguish of losing a loved one, are examples of what Cicero explores. Although the Disputations chiefly convey thoughts of other, prior thinkers, they contain Cicero's distinct voice on the subject. Written with the literate clarity and flair which defines the author's body of work, the Disputations persuasively identify, discuss and expound qualities of the philosophy to which Cicero ascribed his mentality in life. The next part of this edition contains Cicero's Treatises on the Nature of the Gods. He discusses the various traits and actions accorded to the Gods, and how various philosophers and figures in the priesthood disagree about how precisely the divine pantheon influences the world and human affairs. Questions about why deities behave as they do, especially in light of events that seem to contrast what is written of them, are also included. Finally we turn to Cicero's work On The Commonwealth (De re publica), in which the author analyses and explains aspects of Roman politics. Spread over six books, most of the text follows the Socratic dialogue format, being a discussion held between various interested parties on the estate of Scipio. The format itself was a politically savvy move by Cicero; by penning his commentary and criticisms as a dialogue, Cicero became to an extent immune to criticism from his enemies. Although some of the books in On The Commonwealth hav