キケローの翻訳思想−ローマ国民の教育を目的として−

抄録

This paper examines the translation theory of Marcus Tullius Cicero and argues that, rather than a mere linguistic transfer from Greek texts into Latin, it should be understood as a broader cultural and political project aimed at cultivating and developing Latin and Roman culture. Cicero rejected overly literal, word-for-word interpretations and instead called for a sense-for-sense approach. This method enabled him to coin Latin equivalents for Greek technical terms and philosophical concepts, such as his rendering of “politeia” as “res publica.” Although these Latin coinages were less precise than literal translations, they resonated more strongly with Roman ways of thinking and cultural values. Cicero’s translation theory would transition from an individual rhetorical exercise to a national project centered on the education of Roman citizens. Drawing on the ancient theory of the three rhetorical styles, Cicero employed the concept of “decorum” to translate the tone of the source text. In this framework, translation became a creative act of cultural assimilation and philosophical re-creation, with the ultimate aim of establishing a Roman tradition of thought that could serve the state.