The Nature of the Gods (Oxford World's Classics)

`My present intention is to clear myself of any suspicion of partiality by presenting the views of the generality of philosophers concerning the nature of the gods.'Cicero's philosophical works are now exciting renewed interest, in part because he provides vital evidence of the views of the (largely lost) Greek philosophers of the Hellenistic age, and partly because of the light he casts on the intellectual life of first century Rome. The Nature of the Gods is a text of central significance, presenting a detailed account of the theologies of the Epicureans and of the Stoics, together with the critical objections to these doctrines raised by the Academic school. When these Greek theories of deity are translated into the Roman context, a fascinating clash of ideologies results. This fine translation by P. G. Walsh includes a summary of the Text, and an Index and Glossary of Names. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more. Cicero's Philosophical Works Are Now Exciting Renewed Interest And More Generous Appreciation, In Part Because He Provides Vital Evidence Of The Views Of The (largely Lost) Greek Philosophers Of The Hellenistic Age, And Partly Because Of The Light He Casts On The Intellectual Life Of First-century Rome. Hellenistic Philosophy Has In Recent Years Attracted Growing Interest From Academic Philosophers In Europe And In North America. The Nature Of The Gods Is A Document Of Central Significance In This Area, For It Presents A Detailed Account Of The Theologies Of The Epicureans And Of The Stoics, Together With The Critical Objections To These Doctrines Raised By The Academic School. When These Greek Theories Of Deity Are Translated Into The Roman Context, A Fascinating Clash Of Ideologies Results.--book Jacket. The Nature Of The Gods. Cicero ; Translated With Introduction And Explanatory Notes By P.g. Walsh. Notes: P. [147]-215. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [lii]-[lv]) And Index (p. [216]-230). *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. Cicero's philosophical works are now exciting renewed interest and more generous appreciation, in part because they provide vital evidence of the views of the (largely lost) Greek philosophers of the Hellenistic age, and partly because of the light they cast on the intellectual life offirst-century Rome. The Nature of the Gods is a central document in this area, for it presents a detailed account of the theologies of the Epicureans and of the Stoics, together with the critical objections to these doctrines raised by the Academic school Cicero's philosophical works are now exciting renewed interest, in part because he provides vital evidence of the views of the (largely lost) Greek philosophers of the Hellenistic age, and partly because of the light he casts on the intellectual life of first century Rome. This edition uses the 1997 Clarendon text by the acclaimed translator P.G. Walsh. Cicero ; Translated With An Introduction And Notes By P.g. Walsh. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [xlii]-xlv) And Index.