Cicero: On the Commonwealth and On the Laws

Description

Cicero's On the Commonwealth and On the Laws were his first and most substantial attempt to adapt Greek theories of political life to the circumstances of the Roman Republic. They represent Cicero's vision of an ideal society, and remain his most important works of political philosophy. On the Commonwealth survives only in part, and On the Laws was never completed. The present volume offers a scholarly reconstruction of the fragments of On the Commonwealth and a masterly translation of both dialogues, prepared by James E. G. Zetzel, Professor of Classics at Columbia University. The texts are supported by a concise introduction, notes, synopsis, biographical notes and bibliography, all designed to assist students in politics, philosophy, ancient history, law and classics. Cover Title Page Copyright CONTENTS Editor’s note Introduction Cicero’s Career Cicero the philosopher A Roman Plato On the Commonwealth On the Laws Chronology Bibliography Ancient works Cicero’s works Other ancient works Modern works Background On the Commonwealth On the Laws Text and Translation Notes on terminology Res publica (commonwealth, government, public undertaking, public career, public affairs, public life) Civitas (state, government, civic affairs) Consilium… Prudens; prudentia; providere… Auctoritas (authority) Lex (law, legislation, rules, proviso) Ius (law, justice, right, rights, procedures of justice, just behavior, court, regulations, power, authority) Aequitas; aequabilitas; aequabilis (equity; equality, balance and fairness; equitable, balanced) Optimates; optimus quisque… Otium (peace, peace and quiet, calm, ease, leisure, relaxation, tranquillity, free time) Synopsis On the Commonwealth Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 Book 5 Book 6 On the Laws Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 On the Commonwealth Book 1 Fragments of the preface Unplaced fragment from Book 1 Book 2 Doubtful fragment Book 3 Uncertain location in Book 3 Doubtful fragment Book 4 Uncertain location in Book 4 Doubtful fragments Book 5 Book 6 [Scipio’s Dream] Unplaced fragments of On the Commonwealth On the Laws Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Fragments of On the Laws Biographical Notes Index of Fragments General Index