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Tusculan Disputations · Character

Philo of Larissa

Academic philosopher; teacher of Cicero and advocate of probabilism.

minor

Also known as Philo

First appearance: tusculan disputations

Philo of Larissa's tie to Theophrastus is one of the pressures that moves Tusculan Disputations—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

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With Theophrastus (social): Philo of Larissa and Theophrastus are both philosophers from different eras, connected through the Peripatetic and Academic traditions, likely referenced together in Cicero's discussions.

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Character Web

40 connections

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THTheophrastusDODionysius of H…PYPythagorasEPEpicurusARAristotlePOPhilo of Larissa

Relationship types

  • Social
  • Rivalry
  • Other

Character groups

  • Stoic and Roman exemplars
  • Diverse historical and philosophical figures
  • Philosophers and courtiers
  • Protagonist
  • Peripatetic philosophers

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

SetupBreaking pointAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

In this excerpt, the emotional and psychological peak occurs as Cicero shifts from cataloging Rome’s political…

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Relationships

Relationship notes

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See Philo of Larissa in tusculan disputations