The Oxford Handbook of Epicurus and Epicureanism

This book explores Epicurus' philosophy, tracing its influences throughout the Western intellectual tradition. It offers authoritative discussions of Epicurus' ideas on happiness, death, and the material world, and places his arguments in the context of ancient and subsequent disputes. The volume also discusses two fascinating and ongoing sources of Epicurean arguments, the Herculaneum papyri and the inscription of Diogenes of Oenoanda, and its contributions offer the most comprehensive and detailed account of Epicurus and Epicureanism available in English.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 848 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, often criticized for his materialism, hedonism, and denial of soul immortality, has nonetheless inspired figures as diverse as Vergil, Hobbes, Thomas Jefferson, and Bentham. This comprehensive volume explores all aspects of Epicurus' philosophy and traces its significant influences throughout the Western intellectual tradition. Given the current revival of interest in Epicurus and his Stoic rivals, this study is particularly timely. The thirty-one contributions provide an unparalleled resource for those seeking to delve deeper into Epicurus' powerful arguments about happiness, death, and the nature of the material world and our place in it.

Moreover, his arguments are contextualized within ancient and subsequent disputes, allowing readers to evaluate them against a wide range of opponents, including Platonists, Aristotelians, Stoics, Hegel, Nietzsche, and contemporary philosophers such as Thomas Nagel and Bernard Williams. The volume offers separate and detailed discussions of two fascinating and ongoing sources of Epicurean arguments: the Herculaneum papyri and the inscription of Diogenes of Oenoanda. These new evidence sources continue to enrich our understanding of Epicureanism, and the contributors have utilized them to present the most current interpretation of Epicurus' views.

In the second half of the volume, the extraordinary influence of Epicureanism is explored. Epicurus' ideas resonated with various cultures and periods, leading to the development of diverse philosophical schools and movements. The Stoics, for instance, adopted many Epicurean principles and incorporated them into their own philosophy. Epicureanism also influenced the development of Christianity, particularly in the thought of St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. The impact of Epicureanism can be seen in the works of artists, writers, and musicians, who drew inspiration from Epicurean themes of pleasure, friendship, and the pursuit of a simple life.

In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Epicurus' philosophy and its profound influence on Western thought. It provides a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the origins

The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, often criticized for his materialism, hedonism, and denial of soul immortality, has nonetheless inspired figures as diverse as Vergil, Hobbes, Thomas Jefferson, and Bentham. This comprehensive volume explores all aspects of Epicurus' philosophy and traces its significant influences throughout the Western intellectual tradition. Given the current revival of interest in Epicurus and his Stoic rivals, this study is particularly timely. The thirty-one contributions provide an unparalleled resource for those seeking to delve deeper into Epicurus' powerful arguments about happiness, death, and the nature of the material world and our place in it.

Moreover, his arguments are contextualized within ancient and subsequent disputes, allowing readers to evaluate them against a wide range of opponents, including Platonists, Aristotelians, Stoics, Hegel, Nietzsche, and contemporary philosophers such as Thomas Nagel and Bernard Williams. The volume offers separate and detailed discussions of two fascinating and ongoing sources of Epicurean arguments: the Herculaneum papyri and the inscription of Diogenes of Oenoanda. These new evidence sources continue to enrich our understanding of Epicureanism, and the contributors have utilized them to present the most current interpretation of Epicurus' views.

In the second half of the volume, the extraordinary influence of Epicureanism is explored. Epicurus' ideas resonated with various cultures and periods, leading to the development of diverse philosophical schools and movements. The Stoics, for instance, adopted many Epicurean principles and incorporated them into their own philosophy. Epicureanism also influenced the development of Christianity, particularly in the thought of St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. The impact of Epicureanism can be seen in the works of artists, writers, and musicians, who drew inspiration from Epicurean themes of pleasure, friendship, and the pursuit of a simple life.

In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Epicurus' philosophy and its profound influence on Western thought. It provides a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities and enduring relevance of Epicurean philosophy.

Weight: 1404g
Dimension: 173 x 251 x 52 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197753798