ÎŠÎčÎ"ÎŻÎ± in Ciceroâs Correspondence
This thesis uses Ciceroâs letters as evidence for an interpretation of Ciceroâs ÏÎčÎ"ÎŻÎ±Îč that is at variance with his professed views on ÏÎčÎ"ÎŻÎ± as well as with the conclusions of modern scholars. As the use of the term ÏÎčÎ"ÎŻÎ± over amicitia or âfriendshipâ suggests, the thesis provides a discussion of Ciceroâs philosophical beliefs as reflected by his relationship not only with his friends and allies, but also with his family. While there have been several noteworthy studies of his relationship with Atticus and with his family, there is a tendency to accept his claims in his letters to them as genuine. This approach differs significantly from the caution that can be found in the studies of his public speeches and the letters to his allies. This thesis examines the discrepancies between his words and deeds in order to determine the degree of his sincerity. It argues that the inconsistencies and contradictions in his correspondence and philosophical treatises suggest a deliberate effort to use their mutual ÏÎčÎ"ÎŻÎ± for his personal gain. Scholars have assumed that Ciceroâs public affiliation with the Academy and his well-attested attack on Epicureanism prove that he did not see any merit
Evangelou, Gabriel
friendship ; Epicurus ; Cicero ; Rome ; Aristotle ; candour
ÎŠÎčÎ"ÎŻÎ± in Ciceroâs Correspondence. This thesis uses Ciceroâs letters as evidence for an interpretation of Ciceroâs ÏÎčÎ"ÎŻÎ±Îč that is at variance with his professed views on ÏÎčÎ"ÎŻÎ± as well as with the conclusions of modern scholars. As the use of the term ÏÎčÎ"ÎŻÎ± over amicitia or âfriendshipâ suggests, the thesis provides a discussion of Ciceroâs philosophical beliefs as reflected by his relationship not only with his friends and allies, but also with his family. While there have been several noteworthy studies of his relationship with Atticus and with his family, there is a tendency to accept his claims in his letters to them as genuine. This approach differs significantly from the caution that can be found in the studies of his public speeches and the letters to his allies. This thesis examines the discrepancies between his words and deeds in order to determine the degree of his sincerity. It argues that the inconsistencies and contradictions in his correspondence and philosophical treatises suggest a deliberate effort to use their mutual ÏÎčÎ"ÎŻÎ± for his personal gain. Scholars have assumed that Ciceroâs public affiliation with the Academy and his well-attested attack on Epicureanism prove that he did not see any merit
izi cicero correspondence cicero letter evidence interpretation cicero izi variance profess view izi well conclusion modern_scholar use term izi friendship suggest provide discussion cicero philosophical belief reflect relationship friend ally also family several noteworthy study relationship family tendency accept claim letter genuine differs significantly caution found study public_speech letter ally examines discrepancy word deed order_determine degree sincerity argues inconsistency contradiction correspondence philosophical treatise suggest deliberate effort use mutual izi personal gain scholars assume cicero public affiliation academy well_attested attack prove see merit