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This essay analyzes some details of the historical context and political meaning of the concept of humanitas. In particular, it discusses how to appreciate Cicero&rsquos humanitas in terms of the politics of the late Roman republic. For this, I demonstrate that Cicero used humanitas with two meanings: (a) as a technical term for the liberal arts, and (b) as a civil education program. Based on this, I conclude that Cicero&rsquos humanitasprogram as a civil-education program was designed for uniting the Roman state, integrating the Roman citizen, and thus rescuing the res publica of Rome from its destruction. The quintessence of Cicero&rsquos humanitas-program was thus an attempt to revitalize Roman politics. Cicero&rsquos humanitas was indeed a kind of weapon with which to fight the absolute rule of a tyrant or dictator, even though it was not efficient or practical in securing the republic or democracy in the modern sense against its immediate invaders. However, it was and is a long-term program, because it is a base camp for democracy and a primary defensive measure against violence |
