Category: Against Platonism
-
The Peril of “Blind Reason”
In further comment on role of “Reason” as a support, but not a standard of Truth, Lucretius here relates (from Book VI, line 59) that “blind reason” can deceive even...
-
Comments On The Role of “Reason” In Epicureanism
Prior to beginning my study Epicurus I had picked up the impression that Plato was somehow “anti-reason,” and that Aristotle was the great defender of “reason” against the Platonic viewpoint. ...
-
“The Altruist In Politics” – Nathan Cardozo’s Address Against The Platonist Roots of Doctrinaire Socialism and Communism
On the Garden of Epicurus Facebook page the topic of libertarianism and socialism has recently been raised. I prefer to stay out of contemporary political debates in favor of addressing...
-
Mr. Spock Was Not An Epicurean God
There an important passage in Book II of Lucretius that is frequently translated in a way I find questionable. Rolfe Humphries, one of my favorite translators, renders it as follows: ...
-
The Seductive Dead-End of Stoicism
I have long wondered at the (to me) odd sense of passivism and fatalism that I find among some of those who state their admiration for Epicurus. I now think,...
-
Even For Physicists, It Is Not Possible To Live Happily Unless One Lives Wisely, Honorably, and Justly…..
I was recently pointed toward a presentation given by Lawrence Krauss and Richard Dawkins on youtube entitled “Something from Nothing?” I have time only for brief comment, but the point...
-
For Your Twentieth of July: Dispelling the Myth That Epicurus Was An Enemy of All Culture
Peace and Safety for Your Twentieth of July! Students of Epicureanism regularly confront the accusation that Epicurus was an enemy of all culture. The truth is that Epicurus was not...
-
Against Plato III (And to a lesser extent, Aristotle too)
Carl Sagan: “Plato, Aristotle and the Pythagoreans were suppressors of knowledge, advocates of slavery and of epistemic secrecy. Plato’s followers succeeded in extinguishing the light of science and experiment that...
-
Against Plato II – The Commentary of Thomas Jefferson
“I am satisfied, and sufficiently occupied with the things which are, without tormenting or troubling myself about those which may indeed be, but of which I have no evidence.” “To...
-
Against Plato
Perhaps one day a world will arise in which we can safely ignore the errors of false religion and false philosophy, and we can spend our time meditating solely on...