/lit/ - Literature

Cicero's "On the Nature of the Gods" book report:

Book One introduces the topic and lays out the Epicurean case for the existence of the god and Cotta demolishes the Epicurean argument. In Book two Balbus lays out the Stoic perspective on the existence of the gods and then Cotta attacks.
Book three is largely lost but in the surviving part Cotta argues that if the gods exist they do not care about humanity. The men then retire. Vellius believes Cotta hard the better argument while Cicero takes Balbus's side.

Definitely an interesting discussion and a worthwhile read. No firm conclusion is reached but the discussion is prosecuted with open minds, an honest approach and characteristic humour and goodwill. Contains long passages of rhapsodic praise for nature and the natural world, quotations of ancient poetry. Recommended for historians of philosophy, those interested in pre-Christian theology or those seeking to understand the perspectives of the schools of Roman philosophy. Not recommended for strict logicians.