Epicureanism / Tim O'Keefe.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

O'Keefe, Tim, 1968-

Series:

Ancient philosophies.

Ancient philosophies

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Epicureans (Greek philosophy).

Philosophy, Ancient.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xvii, 206 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Durham, UK : Acumen, 2010.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Epicureanism was one of the major philosophical systems of the Hellenistic world. It provided a systematic account of the nature of the world and our place in it, how we can come to know the world, and how we can attain happiness. Founded by Epicurus of Samos (c.341-270 BCE) the Epicurean school of philosophy flourished for hundreds of years after Epicurus’ death, and its rediscovery helped shape the scientific revolution. This clear and engaging introduction provides lucid exposition of the central tenets of Epicurus’ philosophy. Part 1 of the book examines the fundamentals of Epicurus’ metaphysics, including atoms, cosmology, mechanistic biology, the nature and functioning of the mind, and death. Part 2 explores Epicurus’ epistemology, including his arguments against scepticism and his ideas on sensations, preconceptions and feelings. The third and final part deals with Epicurus’ ethics, exploring his arguments for hedonism, his distinctive conceptions of types of pleasure and desire, his belief in virtue, and his notions of justice and friendship. Tim O’Keefe explores the arguments supporting Epicurus’ positions, indicating their strengths and weaknesses, while showing how they connect to other parts of his philosophy and how Epicureanism hangs together as a whole. Particular stress is placed on those features that have enduring philosophical interest and which parallel debates in contemporary philosophy. O’Keefe shows Epicurus to be a philosopher of the highest order and that even after two millennia grappling with his ideas continues to reward study.

Contents:

Introduction: The life of Epicurus and the history of epicureanism

Part I: Metaphysics and physics

Atoms and void

Atomic motion

Sensible qualities

Cosmology

Biology and language

The mind

Freedom and determinism

Part II: Epistemology

Skepticism

The canon

Part III: Ethics

Pleasure, the highest good

Varieties of pleasure, varieties of desire

The virtues and philosophy

Justice

Friendship

The gods

Death.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 02 Oct 2015).

Includes bibliographical references (p. 197-201) and index.

Description based on metadata supplied by the publisher and other sources.

ISBN:

1-317-49255-2

1-317-49256-0

1-315-71164-8

1-283-45674-5

9786613456748

1-84465-433-8

9781315711645

OCLC:

958110034