Cicero's Definition of ΠΟΛΙΤΙΚΟΣ

While Cicero's use of Greek has been the subject of a number of studies, scholars have generally ignored his use of politikos. Most assume that Cicero simply utilized the Platonic definition of the word. However, an investigation of Cicero's use of politikos and its derivatives reveals a much more nuanced meaning, one that is particularly suited to the political situation of the late republic. As opposed to being a ruler, as in Plato, the Ciceronian politikos holds no permanent position within the state, and his only purpose is to resolve temporary crises in the functioning of the state.