Cicero: De Natura Deorum Book I (Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics)

This edition of the Latin text, with accompanying commentary, of the first book of Cicero's essay, On the Nature of the Gods comprises an exposition and refutation of the theology of the Epicurean philosophical school as well as a history of ancient reflections on the gods. Prefaced to the dialogue is Cicero's general justification for writing on philosophy. In his introduction, Andrew Dyck analyzes the work in the context of Cicero's intellectual development and of ancient views of the deity. *De Natura deorum* (*The Nature of the Gods*) is a philosophical dialogue by Roman orator Cicero written in 45 BC. It is laid out in three books, each of which discuss the theology of different Roman and Greek philosophers. The dialogue uses a discussion of Stoic, Epicurean, and skeptical theories to examine fundamental questions of theology. The dialogue is on the whole narrated by Cicero himself, though he does not play an active part in the discussion. Gaius Velleius represents the Epicurean school, Quintus Lucilius Balbus argues for the Stoics, and Gaius Cotta speaks for Cicero's own Academic skepticism. The first book of the dialogue contains Cicero's introduction, Velleius' case for the Epicurean theology and Cotta's criticism of Epicureanism. Book II focuses on Balbus' explanation and defense of Stoic theology. Book III lays out Cotta's criticism of Balbus' claims. Book 1 of 'De Natura Deorum' exhibits in a nutshell Cicero's philosophical method, with the prior part stating the case for Epicurean theology, the latter part refuting it. This book makes an ideal starting point for the study of Cicero's philosophica or indeed of any philosophical writing in Latin Cicero ; Edited By Andrew R. Dyck. Cover Title: De Natura Deorum, Book 1. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 206-220) And Indexes. Latin Text With Introduction And Commentary In English. Edition, with Introduction and Commentary, of this key work of Epicurean theology and Roman philosophy