Category: Introductory Material
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The “Yea-Sayers” and the “Nay-Sayers”
What follows is a collection of commentary illustrating (1) that there is a great contest over the much-disputed legacy of Epicurus, and (2) the nature of that contest. Suggestions for...
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The Poet, The Monument-Builder, And Us
Today across the globe many people are exchanging gifts and buying new toys for themselves. Many of those gifts and toys are – to say the least...
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Happy Hanukkah To The Sadducees!!
[colored_box variation=”red”]UPDATE: Be sure to read this excellent article by Christopher Hitchens: “Hanukkah Celebrates the Triumph of Tribal Jewish Backwardness“[/colored_box] We have now entered the time of year when...
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Peter Saint-Andre On The Possible Epicurean Basis for the “Seven Deadly Sins”
Peter Saint-Andre has recently posted an outstanding analysis of the possible Epicurean basis of the “Seven Deadly Sins (lust, gluttony, avarice or greed, sloth, wrath or anger, envy, and pride). ...
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An Exercise in Epicurean Rules of Evidence: Authorized Doctrine 24
“The wise man does not hesitate to hold as true that which is established by the evidence within his reach, nor does he ever hold as true that which is...
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A Useful Recent Translation of Lucretius’ “On The Nature of Things”
Until today I was unaware of a 2010 edition of On The Nature of Things produced by Ian Johnston and available at the website linked here. That site states: “Ian...
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What Would You Like Inscribed On Your Ring?
The topic of memorable rings has come to my attention today, and that reminds me to discuss another aspect of Epicureanism: the use of images of Epicurus and Epicurean inscriptions...
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Mysticism, The Gods, And the Epicurean Rules of Evidence
I was asked this weekend in a private email about the extent that Epicureanism could be thought of as having a “mystic” element. There are several citations in Norman DeWitt’s...
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A Few Comments On An Excellent Introductory Article
One of the best articles available for explaining the basics of Epicurean philosophy is the introduction to the book “The Epicurus Reader – Selected Writings and Testimonia, by D.S. Hutchinson. ...
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How To Live Like An Epicurean: The Example of Titus Pomponius Atticus
The question frequently arises, “How should one live today as an Epicurean?” Under the theory that there is really nothing new under the sun, among the best ways of answering...