

William H. F. Altman, "The Revival of Platonism in Cicero's Late Philosophy: Platonis Aemulus and the Invention of Cicero" (Lexington Books, 2016)
12 snips Sep 30, 2025
William H. F. Altman, a scholar and author, explores the profound influence of Platonism on Cicero's philosophy. He discusses Cicero's complex character, his defense of the Republic against Caesar, and the political implications of his writings. Altman draws parallels between Roman crises and contemporary issues, emphasizing the civic value of rhetoric. He also highlights Cicero's emotional depth following the loss of his daughter and argues for a reevaluation of his significance in both philosophy and politics.
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How A High-School Curriculum Sparked Cicero Study
- William Altman first encountered Cicero while building a ninth-grade course called Three Democracies.
- Teaching that curriculum forced him to read Cicero thoroughly and sparked his lifelong interest.
Crisis Predated Cicero's Career
- Altman emphasizes the Roman Republic was already sick long before Cicero rose to prominence.
- Cicero operated within a fragile polity shaped by earlier crises like the Sulla–Marius conflicts.
Cicero's Rapid Rise Through Roman Offices
- Cicero climbed Rome's cursus honorum quickly as a 'new man' from Arpinum.
- He hit key magistracies on the earliest eligible schedule, signalling exceptional ambition and talent.