CICERO: On Fate (De Fato) with

BOETHIUS: The Consolation of Philosophy Book IV.5­7, V (Philosophiae Consolationis)

Cicero and Boethius did more than anyone else to transmit the insights of Greek philosophy to the Latin culture of Western Europe which has played so influential a part in our civilisation to this day. Cicero's treatise On Fate, though surviving only in a fragmentary and mutilated state, records contributions to the discussion of a central philosophical issue, that of free will and determinism, which are comparable in importance to those of twentieth-century philosophers and indeed sometimes anticipate them. Study of the treatise has been hindered by the lack of a combined Latin text and English translation based on a clear understanding of the arguments; Dr Sharples' text is intended to meet this need. The last book of Boethius' Consolation is linked with Cicero's treatise by its theme, the relation of divine foreknowledge to human freedom.

R.W. Sharples is Reader in Greek and Latin at University College London. He is the author of several books including the edition of Plato's Meno in this series and of numerous articles.

208pp. (1992) cl 475 9 £35 / $59.99, pb 476 7 £16.50 / $28

CONTENTS Preface Note on Abbreviations INTRODUCTION Sigla PARALLEL LATIN TEXT AND ENGLISH TRANSLATION COMMENTARY Select Bibliography Index

SOME COMMENTS BY REVIEWERS
"...the commentary is helpful and accessible." G & R
"...teachers will welcome the availability of a reliable English language commentary ... an excellent starting point.: CR

RELATED BOOKS
See under CICERO in this series.