Was Lucretius a "fundamentalist"
Epicurean and a mere repeater of his Master’s words, or did he emerge as
an innovative philosopher in his own right? The relationship between
Lucretius and Epicurus remains a complex and unresolved issue in
Epicurean scholarship. To what extent was Lucretius aware of
intellectual debates following Epicurus, and how did he contribute to
them?
The volume examines these questions through an
epistemological lens, focusing on the Canonic, the science of the
criterion. Epicurus, who died around 271/270 BC, did not fully witness
firsthand the impact of his doctrines on Hellenistic epistemology, nor
could he defend them against subsequent criticisms, tasks left to his
successors. By systematically examining the doctrine of the criterion of
truth in De rerum natura, this study shows how Lucretius
actively engaged in the defence and evolution of early Epicureanism.
Despite his fidelity to Epicurus, the Poet displayed a remarkable
philosophical ability to independently rethink and rework materials from
both within the Epicurean tradition and beyond, thereby reiterating, on
a broader scale, the non-monolithic nature of the Kepos. It appeals to scholars interested in Hellenistic and Roman philosophy alike.
Posts
Stumble It!
No comments:
Post a Comment