534. De Finibus by Cicero- This book is a tour de force on the main philosophical systems of the times: Epicureanism, Stoicism and the Academic. Cicero states that there is no end to the search for the truth. What is the chief good? He begins with Epicureanism. This was the best known and Cicero begins with it for that reason. Someone expounds the system and then Cicero replies.
His main problem with Epicureanism was its tendency toward dogmatic rules. Then someone presents Stoic views and Cicero replies. He finds holes in the argument of the Stoics. It seems to deny human nature. Then Academic. Cicero replies. The advantage which the Academic system has over the others is its breadth. Much of human experience comes under investigation. Academics have trouble fitting the three goods with wise man and the necessities for achieving happiness. Cicero is looking for consistency in each system. He finds inconsistencies in each. Perhaps his message is in this: no one system of thought has all of the answers.
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