Cicero and the People's Will: Philosophy and Power at the End of the Roman Republic

This book explores the overlooked story of Cicero's influence on Western thought, shaping the notion of will from criminal to moral willpower and connecting Roman law with Greek ideas. Despite failing in his own time, Cicero's ideals of popular sovereignty and rational elitism have shaped and fractured the modern world, and his creativity may yet save it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This book delves into an overlooked chapter in the history of ideas, unveiling a captivating drama of cutthroat politics and profound philosophical exploration. At its core, it is the esteemed statesman and philosopher Cicero who shapes the concept of will in Western thought, traversing from the realm of criminal intent to the heights of moral willpower and even encompassing the collective will of the people. In a mere word, "voluntas," Cicero establishes a profound connection between Roman law and Greek ideals, notably Plato's assertion that a rational elite must govern. However, as the republic succumbs to Caesarism, Cicero redirects his political discourse inward, recognizing will as a powerful force within the soul, capable of reclaiming the virtue lost on the battlefield and symbolizing inner freedom in an era of societal constraints. While this constitutional vision may have met its demise in his own time, Cicero's enduring ideals of popular sovereignty and rational elitism have left an indelible mark on the modern world, shaping its trajectory and eliciting both admiration and debate. Moreover, the Ciceronian spirit of creativity remains a beacon of hope, offering a potential path toward a brighter future for humanity.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 237 x 158 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316514115