The Sculpted Word: Epicureanism and Philosophical Recruitment in Ancient Greece

The Epicureans of Hellenistic Greece were successful in recruiting members by erecting statues of Epicurus and their other master in public places, appealing to those who accepted materialism, sensationalism, and the repression of feeling and sought a way of life separate from the dominant culture. This book is an innovative application of an inter-disciplinary humanistic and social-scientific approach to ancient Greek philosophy and art.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

This comprehensive study delves into the recruitment techniques employed by the philosophical schools of Hellenistic Greece, with a particular focus on the Epicureans. Bernard Frischer's work sheds light on this unique group, as their approach was both remarkably passive and remarkably successful. Unlike other philosophical schools that relied heavily on public lectures and books, the Epicureans avoided engaging with the dominant culture and instead sought to attract members through the erection of statues of Epicurus and their other master in public spaces. These visually captivating sculptures, adorned with intricate iconography, resonated with the very individuals who were most likely to be drawn to Epicureanism. These individuals were often drawn to the philosophy of materialism, sensationalism, and the repression of emotion, as well as those seeking a way of life that was distinct from the prevailing cultural norms.

This book represents a groundbreaking application of an interdisciplinary humanistic and social-scientific approach to ancient Greek philosophy and art. It will captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike who are interested in the history of these subjects, as well as those who are intrigued by the sociology of knowledge and communication. This title is proudly part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, a testament to the publisher's commitment to seeking out and nurturing the brightest minds and providing them with a platform to express their ideas, reach a wider audience, and have a lasting impact. Drawing upon a rich backlist dating back to 1893, Voices Revived utilizes print-on-demand technology to make high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again. Originally published in 1982, this title has been revitalized and reintroduced to the scholarly community, ensuring that its insights and contributions continue to resonate for generations to come.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520307353