The nature of the Gods ; and On divination

摘要: The eminent Roman statesman and philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 b.c.e.) analyses the positions of Stoic, Epicurean, Academic schools on existence nature gods, whether they act in interests humankind. Cotta, spokesman, criticises his Epicurean Stoic interlocutors for their failures, respectively, to account human freedom accidents evils that occur life. Lacking sure knowledge what gods are, beings are left own intelligence natural abilities make way an uncertain world. In dialogue 'On Divination', brother, Quintus, examine various sorts divination principles, which Quintus upholds. counters there is no such "science" divination, ambiguities absurdities inherent oracles, prodigies, dreams preclude any divine agency. They rather, result phenomena or coincidence.