When was "De rei publica" written? And what does each of the books describe?
It was written between 54 and 51 B.C.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_re_publica
Thanks!
You're welcome.
"De rei publica" was written by the Roman statesman and philosopher, Cicero, between 54 and 51 BCE. It is a political treatise in Latin, which explores the subject of politics and the ideal form of government.
"De rei publica" is divided into six books or volumes, each dealing with different aspects of the political system and providing different perspectives on governance. Here's a summary of what each book describes:
1. Book I: This book introduces the characters and sets the stage for the dialogue. It includes discussions on the nature of justice, law, and the purposes of government.
2. Book II: This book examines various types of government and political systems, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. It explores the concept of the "ideal republic" and argues for mixed government.
3. Book III: The focus of this book is on the Roman historical context, particularly the rise and fall of ancient Roman republics. It delves into the concept of political legitimacy and the importance of virtuous leadership.
4. Book IV: This book explores the role of philosophy in politics, discussing the relationship between wisdom and the art of governing. It emphasizes the importance of education and the duty of leaders to be virtuous and intellectually enlightened.
5. Book V: This book centers around the concept of the ideal statesman, discussing the qualities and virtues that a leader should possess. It draws from historical and mythological examples to illustrate these characteristics.
6. Book VI: The final book focuses on the ideal citizen and their responsibilities. It discusses social and political ethics, as well as the role of the individual in promoting the common good.
By studying each book of "De rei publica," one can gain insight into Cicero's ideas on government, the qualities of good leadership, and the responsibilities of both citizens and rulers in creating an ideal political system.