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Epicurus on the Self

Attila Németh

388 Pages
2017

Epicurus on the Self

Routledge

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Epicurus on the Self - Summary

This scholarly work delves into the depths of Epicurean philosophy through a meticulous reconstruction of fragmentary texts discovered in Herculaneum. The book provides groundbreaking insights into Epicurus's understanding of individual consciousness and self-awareness, drawing from the partially preserved On Nature XXV. Through careful analysis, the author illuminates how Epicurus developed a sophisticated framework for understanding human consciousness and personal identity within his broader philosophical system.

Key Themes

1

Psychological Self-Reflection

Epicurus's revolutionary approach to understanding human consciousness, demonstrating how he conceived of self-awareness as an integrated process involving both physical and mental components, challenging traditional dualistic interpretations of human nature.

2

Moral Psychology Integration

A detailed examination of how Epicurus connected individual self-awareness with ethical behavior, showing that his moral philosophy was deeply rooted in his understanding of human psychology and personal identity formation.

3

Epistemological Foundations

Analysis of how Epicurus developed a robust framework for understanding knowledge acquisition and self-knowledge, establishing a systematic approach to understanding human cognition and its relationship to personal identity.

FAQ's

The reconstruction provides crucial insights into Epicurus's complete philosophical system, particularly his views on consciousness and self-awareness, which were previously less understood due to fragmentary source material.

It bridges important gaps in our knowledge of Epicurean thought, particularly regarding the relationship between mind, body, and self-awareness, offering valuable perspectives for contemporary philosophical discussions.

Epicurus developed a distinctive holistic approach that viewed the self as an integrated psychophysical entity, departing from the more dualistic approaches common in ancient Greek philosophy, and establishing a framework that remains relevant to modern discussions of consciousness and identity.

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