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The Stoic Paradoxes (Latin: Paradoxa Stoicorum) is a work by Cicero.
Contents
Dating
It was written in 46 BC (p. 39).
Manuscripts
The earliest dates are from the 9th century (p. 124).
Contents
Webb states Cicero was motivated to write the work in order to re-express Stoic arguments within the language of rhetorical Latin, a view which is supported by the fact of Cicero stating his effort is in order to make a version of an original Greek work in a language appropriate for the mode of the Forum.
Dedication
The work is dedicated to a person named Brutus.
Subject
The subject of the work is the support of a principle of stoic thought, this being the paradoxes. The work is concerned specifically with six of these:
I - Virtue is the only good
II - Virtue is sufficient for happiness (Virtue is all that is needed for happiness )
III - All the vices and all virtues are equal
IV - All fools are madmen
V - The sage alone is free (Only the sage is free and every fool is a slave )
VI - Only the wise man is rich
Scholarship
Debate has identified a vein of thought running along both this piece and within the body of the Pro Murena.
Marcantonius Majoragio (1514–1555) wrote a work, perhaps a diatribe, in the least contrary to Cicero, entitled the antiparadoxon
Editions
Paradoxa stoicorum ad M. Brutum (Latin) (ed. J. G. Baiter, C. L. Kayser)
The booke of Marcus Tullius Cicero entituled Paradoxa Stoicorum. Contayninge a precise discourse of diuers poinctes and conclusions of vertue and phylosophie according the traditions and opinions of those philosophers, whiche were called Stoikes. Wherunto is also annexed a philosophicall treatyse of the same authoure called Scipio hys dreame. Anno. 1569
The book of Cicero entitled Paradoxa Stoicorum - Containing a precise discourse of diverse points and conclusions of virtue and philosophy according (to the) philosophers called Stoiks. Within this also is taken and placed a philosophical treatise of the same author called Scipio's dream. Published in the year 1569, translated by Thomas Newton.