Friendship Responsibility Theory

Author: Cicero
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: Cicero was an important historical figure in the cultural, educational, and political spheres of ancient Rome. At the same time, he was a strong advocate of rhetoric education. His philosophical treatises, which appeared only a hundred years after Plato's Republic, made him one of the most influential political writers in ancient Western history. This book is one of his significant representative works, including two parts: On Friendship and On Duty. In the debate-style On Friendship, Cicero not only provides a detailed explanation of the social definition, humanistic care, origin, and development of friendship but also offers a uniquely philosophical deconstruction of various prejudices and misconceptions about friendship. On Duty, written in the form of a letter to his son Marcus, who was studying in Greece, is an ethical work. Between its lines, we can easily perceive a father's deep love for his son and his love for the nation. Among all the emotions cherished by humanity, besides family love and romantic love, friendship is perhaps the most valued. Cicero not only provides a detailed explanation of the social definition, humanistic care, origin, and development of friendship but also offers a uniquely philosophical interpretation of various prejudices and misconceptions about friendship. Among the most shining aspects is his philosophical critique of the "skeptics of friendship."