In this lecture/discussion from my Spring 2013 Introduction to Philosophy class at Marist College, we start our study of Cicero's classic work, On The Nature of the Gods -- a debate between Epicurean, Stoic, and Academic philosophers narrated by Cicero. We cover the general structure of the dialogue, the characters, some basic information about the three main schools. Then we examine the Epicurean criticisms of other positions, the presentation of the Epicurean position, an argument for god's existence, and arguments for why the gods ought to have human-like forms. We also consider the Academic criticisms of these arguments
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