Lucretius I: An Ontology of Motion

Thomas Nail's interpretation of Lucretius challenges the foundations of modern scientific materialism, suggesting that he was not an atomist but a thinker of kinetic flux. This re-reading of "De Rerum Natura" offers a fresh perspective on Lucretius for today, challenging the notion that he was the revolutionary precursor of modern science.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2018
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

In the past 40 years, Thomas Nail has presented a groundbreaking and compelling interpretation of Lucretius that challenges the prevailing understanding of the ancient Roman philosopher. Nail argues that Lucretius was not an atomist, but rather a thinker of kinetic flux. By overturning the interpretive foundations of modern scientific materialism, which trace their philosophical roots to the atomic reading of Lucretius' influential book De Rerum Natura, Nail offers a fresh perspective on Lucretius that is both original and provocative.

One of the key features of Nail's interpretation is his assertion that Lucretius was not the revolutionary harbinger of modern science as previously believed. Instead, he argues that Lucretius was its greatest victim. Nail re-reads De Rerum Natura to present us with a new Lucretius, one that is relevant to our contemporary world.

In his book, Nail argues that Lucretius was not an atomist but rather the first philosopher of motion. He explores the concept of kinetic flux, which suggests that matter is not static but rather in a constant state of motion. Nail argues that this understanding of motion provides a more accurate portrayal of the natural world than the atomic model, which posits that matter is composed of tiny particles that are in constant motion.

Nail's interpretation of Lucretius is not only innovative but also deeply relevant to contemporary debates about the nature of reality and the role of science in understanding it. He challenges the notion that science can provide a complete and accurate account of the natural world and argues that other forms of knowledge, such as philosophy and art, are also essential to our understanding of the world.

Furthermore, Nail's book is a valuable contribution to the field of feminist philosophy. He explores the ways in which Lucretius' portrayal of women and gender roles challenges traditional Western notions of masculinity and femininity. Nail argues that Lucretius' vision of a world in which women are equal to men and have the same rights and opportunities as men is a progressive and visionary one that deserves to be celebrated and explored further.

In conclusion, Thomas Nail's interpretation of Lucretius is a groundbreaking and compelling one that offers a fresh perspective on the ancient philosopher. By challenging the prevailing understanding of Lucretius as an atomist and presenting a new interpretation of him as a thinker of kinetic flux, Nail offers a valuable contribution to the field of philosophy and science. His book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of philosophy, the nature of reality, and the role of science in understanding it.

Weight: 366g
Dimension: 206 x 148 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474434676