describe how cicero influenced the enlightenment (1 point)

he developed the principle of the golden mean he translated greek philosophy into latin making the ideas accessible
he described how the goal of the human mind was to find the truth
he wrote about the four virtues in his book the republic

1 answer

Cicero influenced the Enlightenment in various ways. One significant influence was through his translation of Greek philosophy into Latin, allowing the ideas of renowned thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle to become more accessible to a broader audience. By making these concepts more widely available, Cicero contributed to the intellectual development of Enlightenment thinkers.

Furthermore, Cicero's emphasis on the pursuit of truth played a crucial role in shaping Enlightenment thought. He described how the ultimate goal of the human mind should be to seek and uncover the truth in all aspects of life. This alignment with reason and truth-seeking greatly influenced Enlightenment thinkers, who valued rationality and the advancement of knowledge.

Additionally, Cicero's writings, particularly his book "The Republic," had a significant impact on the Enlightenment. In this book, Cicero expounded on the four cardinal virtues: wisdom, justice, courage, and moderation. These virtues became a central principle in Enlightenment ethics and political philosophy. The idea of incorporating these virtues into the governance and social structures of a society resonated with Enlightenment thinkers and influenced their ideas of a just and enlightened society.

Overall, Cicero's translations, emphasis on truth-seeking, and exploration of the four virtues significantly influenced the Enlightenment, shaping its intellectual framework, ethical principles, and political ideas.