Epicureanism

by Tim O'Keefe

Overview

This introduction to Epicureanism offers students and general readers a clear exposition of the central tenets of a dominant philosophy of the Hellenistic period. Founded by Epicurus of Samos (c. 341-270 BCE), this school of thought holds that for a human being the greatest good is to attain tranquility-freedom from fear and bodily pain-by seeking to understand the workings of the world and the limits of our desires. Tim O'Keefe provides an extended exegesis of the arguments that support Epicurean philosophical positions, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, and shows how the different areas of Epicurean inquiry come together to make a whole. Part 1 introduces the fundamentals of Epicurus' metaphysics, Part 2 explores his epistemology, and Part 3 examines his ethics. Lucid, witty, and entertaining, Epicureanism wears its knowledge lightly while offering a wealth of stimulating and humorous thought experiments and examples.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781317492559
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/05/2014
Series:	Ancient Philosophies
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Tim O'Keefe is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Georgia State University, USA.

Table of Contents

Preface Acknowledgements Abbreviations 1. Introduction: The life of Epicurus and the history of Epicureanism Part I Metaphysics and Physics 2. Atoms and Void 3. Atomic Motion 4. Sensible Qualities 5. Cosmology 6. Biology and Language 7. The Mind 8. Freedom and Determinism Part II Epistemology 9. Scepticism 10. The Canon Part III Ethics 11. Pleasure, the Highest Good 12. Varieties of Pleasure, Varieties of Desire 13. The Virtues and Philosophy 14. Justice 15. Friendship 16. The Gods 17. Death Notes Further Reading References Index