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389th out of 465 books
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439 voters
The Nature of the Gods
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...more
Paperback, 288 pages
Published
July 23rd 1998
by Oxford University Press, USA
(first published -44)
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"That which has been is what will be,
That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun."
More than two thousand years ago, Cicero presented a detailed account of the theologies of ancient Greek philosophers, in the form of a brilliant, pungent and witty debate among the representatives of the Stoic, Epicurean and Academic schools. The discourse is centered around four questions: Do gods exist? What is the nature of the gods? Do they govern the universe? Do they take t...more
That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun."
More than two thousand years ago, Cicero presented a detailed account of the theologies of ancient Greek philosophers, in the form of a brilliant, pungent and witty debate among the representatives of the Stoic, Epicurean and Academic schools. The discourse is centered around four questions: Do gods exist? What is the nature of the gods? Do they govern the universe? Do they take t...more
The direct antecedent to Hume's altogether superior Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, this book is, however, a treasure-trove for information about the various ancient philosophies: Epicurean, Stoic, Academic, Skeptic, Cynic, and Peripatetic as they stood in the 1st century BCE. It is a thought-provoking dialogue and, as always with Cicero, possesses that unctuous yet enjoyable prose, even though, in our age of disbelief, the work's immediacy is quite lost; that is, it is not exciting, as i...more
On the Nature of the Gods is a philosophical dialogue by the Roman orator Cicero written in 45 BC. It is laid out in three "books", each of which discusses the theology of different Roman and Greek philosophers. The dialogue uses Stoic, Epicurean, and skeptical theories to examine fundamental questions of theology.
The dialogue is on the whole narrated by Cicero himself, though he doesn't play an active part in the discussion. Gaius Velleius represents the Epicurean school, Quintius Lucilius Balb...more
The dialogue is on the whole narrated by Cicero himself, though he doesn't play an active part in the discussion. Gaius Velleius represents the Epicurean school, Quintius Lucilius Balb...more
Je suis encore sous le ravissement de cette lecture. C'est un des plus beaux textes philosophique sur la religion que j'ai pu lire jusqu'à présent. Celui envers lequel Quintilien ne tarit pas d'éloge en est l'auteur. Cicéron, cet avocat, connu pour son implication politique à la veille de la fin de la République, était aussi un philosophe, tout comme Brutus à qui le livre est adressé. Il relate un dialogue entre trois amis romains auquel Cicéron a assisté. Cotta, l'académicien, Véléius, l'épicur...more
So, this is the second Cicero book I've read for my seminar in Augustine and Neo-Platonism (Note that our interpretation of Cicero put forth in the class has been pretty broad--Is he a closet Platonist, an Aristotlean, or an Academic?) Nevertheless, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Cicero presents the theologies of the Epicureans and the Stoics and then shows the shortcomings of each. He, as N.T. Wright recommends, does an excellent job showing the view of the gods around the time Jesus was born. C...more
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I devoured this book. Behe you fool! You can come up with no greater argument than Cicero's own watchmaker hypothesis? Idiot. The same so called "Reasons" for the gods are still the best we can do with all of our technological advances since Rome? Bastards. In praise of Cicero who for his time was highly critical in his critique of not only the existence of gods but what their inherent nature must be. Good for you Cicero and shame to all those who have done no better since him, prattling the sam...more
1 like · like · see review
This ancient book is surprisingly current in its subject-matter and logic. Here lie the arguments of the creationists, the skeptics, the atheists, and the Christians. Cicero does a remarkably good job of summarizing each position and making them interact. Best read in conjunction with Pilgirm's Regress.
For a long time, I was wondering about the past Gods (not the mythological ones), what was their purpose etc. And as I was searching for the right book to understand the Gods better, I picked up Cicero's book. Oh what a good decision I've made! This book was a real eye-opener for my belief-system!
Written about two-thousand years ago, The Nature of the Gods urges thought and reason. Not completely atheistic, it is nevertheless less than agnostic. I good insight into the educated Roman's pantheistic ideas.
Quoted in my Latin textbook. I decided to read it on my own. Probably wasn't in the right mood for it -- didn't end up finishing it.
An interesting outlook on what are the gods and their relationship to humans from one of the most notable Roman writers.
I have a soft spot for Cicero, he being a lawyer of great note. His Murder Trial speeches could give a few tips to modern lawyers even after over two millenia. This volume sets out, mostly in dialogue form, the three predominant philosophies of his day with respect to the title. They were, Stoicism, the Academy view and the Epicurean view.
The language used is easy to follow and the arguments put forward are effectively done. The Academy prevails on most of the issues, but there are few answers h...more
The language used is easy to follow and the arguments put forward are effectively done. The Academy prevails on most of the issues, but there are few answers h...more
it's a very interesting book wherein is shown the three most important point of views on religion: the epicurean, the stoicism and the official religious system. The book it's equilibrate showing the different argument, although cicero is very critic whit Epicuro's ideas. It's a shame that the book is incomplete because the sources are so. This is a good book to know a little about the way of view the religion in elder time.
Creo que leer este libro es una de las maneras más divertidas de conocer algo de la teología antigua. Las intervenciones de Cotta están cargadas de ironía y comicidad (de verdad que reí mucho) pero sumamente sabias, mientas que los argumentos de los otros dos participantes, Balbo y Villeio, son un gran aporte a la comprensión filosófica y teológica tanto del estoicismo como del epicureísmo
Dec 16, 2009
Paul Pellicci
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
philosophy,
perhaps-religious
Cicero is one of my favorite ancient authors. This book, although quite a chore to read at times, is a fascinating look into the ancient mind. I am always amazed at how the Roman pagan religion seemed to hold a republic together until the civil war and Octavian's postscriptions erased Cicero and others, many others from the scene.
Cicero is a little bit quiet and the authorial intention is very ambiguous, but the debate is still quite fascinating. The Stoic view of the cosmos was at times quite beautiful; yes, as insufferably self-righteous as they could be, the Stoics come off with a better cosmos than many moderns.
Quite fascinating. Really wish I had time to read every word.
The Shelf: Accepted. Favored Author status pending.
Aug 06, 2010
Ibis3
marked it as to-read
Bilingual edition preferred.
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January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
A Roman philosopher, statesman, lawyer, political theorist, and Roman constitutionalist. Cicero is widely considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists.
More about Marcus Tullius Cicero...
A Roman philosopher, statesman, lawyer, political theorist, and Roman constitutionalist. Cicero is widely considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists.
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