Tusculan disputations

A comprehensive philosophical dialogue exploring the path to a well-lived and happy life

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290 pages, parution le 04/02/2026

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Résumé

Cicero's "Tusculan Disputations" is a comprehensive philosophical dialogue exploring the path to a well-lived and happy life. Across its five books, Cicero systematically examines fundamental questions concerning death, arguing it is not an evil, and delves into the nature of the soul, its potential immortality, and the sufficiency of virtue for human happiness. The work extensively addresses the endurance of pain and, more broadly, the 'perturbations of the mind' (πάθη) such as grief, fear, lust, joy, and anger. Cicero contrasts the views of various ancient Greek and Roman philosophical schools, including Stoicism, Epicureanism, Peripateticism, Academic, Cyrenaic, and Pythagorean thought, on the origins, definitions, and remedies for these emotional disturbances. He consistently argues that these perturbations arise from mistaken 'opinion and judgment' rather than inherent nature, advocating for reason, wisdom, and virtue as the primary means to achieve tranquility and freedom from excessive emotional suffering. The dialogue asserts the Stoic position that true happiness stems from an unperturbed mind, governed by reason and virtue, independent of external circumstances like poverty, banishment, or physical afflictions. Through numerous examples from mythology, history, and Roman life, Cicero demonstrates how philosophy serves as a 'medicine of the soul,' fortifying the mind against suffering and leading to a virtuous, tranquil, and ultimately happy existence, rooted in inner wisdom rather than sensory gratification or external goods. The text also touches upon the historical context of philosophical and artistic pursuits in Greece and Rome, emphasizing the importance of philosophical study for a well-lived life.