This volume presents in modern Greek translation the work of the emblematic Roman politician and orator Cicero, "On Duties". The translation is accompanied by a detailed introduction, which describes Cicero's life and actions, the circumstances of the work's writing, its content, and its influence in later times. The edition also includes commentary, biographical information about the referenced figures, and bibliography.
Cicero rose to the highest offices of the Roman Republic thanks to his sharp intellect, exceptional education, and undeniable rhetorical talent. He participated in or closely observed all the major political events of the 1st century BC, and from his privileged perspective, he was able to perceive and evaluate the forces that shaped public life in his time.
Through his rich body of work, which includes rhetorical speeches, philosophical and political treatises, he advocated the ideal of humanitas, which encompasses all the humanitarian values of the ancient Greek and Roman world, such as education, justice, bravery, decorum, and prudence. His philosophical work, having assimilated ancient Greek and Hellenistic influences, subsequently develops independently as a response to the Roman affairs of his time.
Starting from theory, he quickly turns to reality, supporting the positions and propositions of the author through recognizable examples. "On Duties" was written in the form of a letter from Cicero to his only son Marcus, who was then twenty-one years old and studying in Athens.
As noted by the translator, the work "expresses the philosophical essence of the Greco-Roman world regarding the concept of 'political ethics'." With this work, "Cicero intended to morally educate the politically active members of his society," or at least those among them who wished to maintain the ancient government of Rome "with the traditional balance between the powers of the Senate and the people." Stoic philosophy and the concept of duty occupy a central place in his reasoning.
The influence, in particular, of the Stoic philosopher Panaetius from Rhodes is evident in the work. Cicero attempts to present the conflict between social duty and individual interest in the realm of action, composing a work that many important thinkers would refer to in the following centuries.
Manufacturer
- Author
- Marcus Tullius Cicero
- Publisher
- Morfotiko Idryma Ethnikis Trapezis
- Genre
- Latin Literature
- Cover
- Soft
- Number of Pages
- 440
- Release Date
- 9/2017
- Publication Date
- 2017
- Dimensions
- 14x21 cm
- Language
- Greek
- ISBN-13
- 9789602506905
Important information
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