Cicero De Divinatione
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Cicero

De Divinatione

prose

Cicero investigates whether the gods communicate with mortals through signs and omens. A systematic demolition of Roman divination — augury, haruspicy, astrology, dreams — that doubles as an introduction to Stoic and Academic epistemology.

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Books

  • Liber Primus

    The case for divination. Cicero's brother Quintus argues that the gods communicate with mortals through signs — augury, haruspicy, dreams, oracles, and astrology — marshalling Stoic philosophy and a wealth of historical examples.

    ~12,730 words
  • Liber Secundus

    The case against divination. Cicero himself responds, systematically demolishing his brother's arguments with sceptical philosophy, logical analysis, and devastating wit. One of the great works of ancient rationalism.

    ~14,790 words
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