CICERONE E L’OSCURITÀ DEI FILOSOFI

Abstract

The paper explores Cicero’s treatment of obscurity in philosophy. The analysis emphasizes his keen interest in this phenomenon, which he approaches from various perspectives. Notably, the rhetorical tradition, which frequently dealt with
expressive obscurity and clarity, plays a crucial role in Cicero’s account. Consequently, different types of obscurity come to impact philosophical discourse: at times, obscurity arises from the complexity of the subject matter; at other times, it is a result of the author’s inadequate command of appropriate language; and occasionally, it stems from a deliberate choice, intended to select potentially unsuitable readers.