Cicero and the Boundaries of Friendship in the Twelfth Century
Constant J. Mews
Cicero’s De amicitia exerted a powerful influence on Latin Christian thought in the twelfth century. This paper considers core features of idealization friendship and way these ideals were transformed within context, above all writing Augustine, as prelude to exploring how twelfth-century writers responded themes amicitia. Traditionally, was perceived operating purely masculine environment. I consider which Abelard composed his Historia calamitatum offering consolation someone distress, perhaps intending it be read by Heloise. also explore Heloise sought redefine their relationship recalling Ciceronian true friendship, not seeking any personal advantage, suggesting further evidence for considering exchange love letters known Epistolae duorum amantium record early The teacher this alludes same passage includes Sic et Non when nature caritas. His mature thinking about Theologia “Scholarium” draws both Augustinian elements. Although treatise Aelred Rievaulx spiritual has certain broad common with exchange, combines very different ways, cannot identified literary letters. Aelred, whose extends builds that Bernard Clairvaux love, responding vogue interest century, produced own, formulation friendship.
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