Andrew Lintott
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199216444
- eISBN:
- 9780191712180
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199216444.003.0018
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, European History: BCE to 500CE
This chapter begins with a discussion of Ciceros's letters following the assassination of Caesar. It then discusses his philosophical projects, which include De Natura Deorum, De Divinatione, and De ...
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This chapter begins with a discussion of Ciceros's letters following the assassination of Caesar. It then discusses his philosophical projects, which include De Natura Deorum, De Divinatione, and De Fato. Cicero's works on practical ethics, De Amicitia (On Friendship) and De Officiis (On Duties), and correspondence with Matius are considered.Less
This chapter begins with a discussion of Ciceros's letters following the assassination of Caesar. It then discusses his philosophical projects, which include De Natura Deorum, De Divinatione, and De Fato. Cicero's works on practical ethics, De Amicitia (On Friendship) and De Officiis (On Duties), and correspondence with Matius are considered.
Susanne Bobzien
- Published in print:
- 2021
- Published Online:
- July 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780198866732
- eISBN:
- 9780191898891
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198866732.003.0010
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
This chapter combines an in-depth analysis of Chrysippus’ defence of his determinism in Cicero’s On Fate with a systematic reconstruction of his theory of causes. It shows that our evidence does not ...
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This chapter combines an in-depth analysis of Chrysippus’ defence of his determinism in Cicero’s On Fate with a systematic reconstruction of his theory of causes. It shows that our evidence does not support the standard view that Chrysippus’ distinction between proximate and auxiliary causes and perfect and principal causes corresponds to one between internal and external determining factors. Causes of the two types were not thought to cooperate, but were conceived as alternatives. The chapter suggests that Chrysippus neither developed a full taxonomy of causes nor had a set of technical terms for mutually exclusive classes of causes. Instead, the various adjectives he used functioned to describe or explain particular features of certain causes in particular philosophical contexts. Chrysippus’ basic theory of causes was grounded on the Stoic tenets that causes are bodies and relatives, and that all causation can ultimately be traced back to the ‘active principle’ which pervades everything.Less
This chapter combines an in-depth analysis of Chrysippus’ defence of his determinism in Cicero’s On Fate with a systematic reconstruction of his theory of causes. It shows that our evidence does not support the standard view that Chrysippus’ distinction between proximate and auxiliary causes and perfect and principal causes corresponds to one between internal and external determining factors. Causes of the two types were not thought to cooperate, but were conceived as alternatives. The chapter suggests that Chrysippus neither developed a full taxonomy of causes nor had a set of technical terms for mutually exclusive classes of causes. Instead, the various adjectives he used functioned to describe or explain particular features of certain causes in particular philosophical contexts. Chrysippus’ basic theory of causes was grounded on the Stoic tenets that causes are bodies and relatives, and that all causation can ultimately be traced back to the ‘active principle’ which pervades everything.
Steven J. Green
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- October 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199646807
- eISBN:
- 9780191782220
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199646807.003.0004
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, European History: BCE to 500CE
This chapter conducts a detailed analysis of astrological passages across two contemporary works of Cicero, De Divinatione(2.87–99) and De Fato(7–8). It argues for a softening of stance from the ...
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This chapter conducts a detailed analysis of astrological passages across two contemporary works of Cicero, De Divinatione(2.87–99) and De Fato(7–8). It argues for a softening of stance from the author from one work to the other: outright rejection to astrology in De Divinationeis met with some concession in De Fato. This may reflect Cicero’s recognition of the fast changing political status for astrology in and around 44 BC following the appearance of Caesar’s comet.Less
This chapter conducts a detailed analysis of astrological passages across two contemporary works of Cicero, De Divinatione(2.87–99) and De Fato(7–8). It argues for a softening of stance from the author from one work to the other: outright rejection to astrology in De Divinationeis met with some concession in De Fato. This may reflect Cicero’s recognition of the fast changing political status for astrology in and around 44 BC following the appearance of Caesar’s comet.
