institution
the theologi
the theologians
also: theologi, theologians
The 'theologians,' the writers of antiquarian divine genealogy whom Cotta cites for the multiple Joves, Suns, Vulcans, Mercuries, and the rest. He uses their catalogues to show that Stoic theology cannot distinguish the true gods.
Reading notes
- On the Nature of the Gods §3.44 the ancient genealogists
The early Greek 'theologians' (such as Hesiod) who systematised the descent of the gods. Cotta uses Carneades's chain-argument from their genealogies: admit Jupiter and you must admit Saturn, Caelus, Aether, Night, and the whole monstrous brood, or else abolish the first gods.