Boethus the Epicurean

Epicurean Perceptual Content

Epicurean epistemology is usually summarised in a controversial thesis according to which all perceptions are true . Although it seems very problematic and counterintuitive, careful investigation of the main sources shows us that Epicurus’ claim for the truth of perceptions is not so hasty but is supported with some serious arguments . in the paper, i examine the thesis according to which “all ...

Vegetarianism and Virtue: On Gassendi's Epicurean Defense

Gassendi, who was influenced in the development ofhis moral theory by Epicurus,2 was, as was Epicurus, a vegetarian. Gassendi argues, in his Philosophiae Epicuri Syntagma,3 his reconstruction of Epicurus' theory, and in his Syntagma Philosophicum,4 presenting his own ethics, that abstaining from flesh is a moral requirement, i.e., a requirement for "doing well."5 Further, Gassendi represents, a...

Some Thoughts on the Epicurean Critique of Mathematics

In this paper, we give a comprehensive summary of the discussion on the Epicurean critique of mathematics and in particular of Euclid’s geometry. We examine the methodological critique of the Epicureans on mathematics and we assess whether a “mathematical atomism” was proposed, and its implications. Finally, we examine the Epicurean philosophical stance on mathematics and evaluate whether it wa...

Patient-Relativity and the Efficacy of Epicurean Therapy

According to Epicurus, philosophy’s sole task is to ensure the well-being of the soul. Human souls are often riddled with diseases; the most serious are the fear of the gods and the fear of death. Thus, the Epicureans offered several arguments designed to demonstrate that, for instance, “death is nothing to us,” and should therefore not be feared. Since their creation there has been much discus...

Epicurean and Stoic Views of Happiness: a critical comparison (Draft)