Synopses & Reviews
Traditional theories and interpretations of Epicurean philosophy are challenged by this new study, in which a distinguished scholar demonstrates the fallacies and shortcomings of most of the previous works on the subject. Professor DeWitt provides, for the first time, a biographical account which relates existing data on the life of Epicurus to the development of his doctrine. The philosopher is shown to have been an innovator throughout his whole career, the founder of a new kind of school, and a pioneer in deducing ethics from physical theories. A major finding of Professor DeWitts study centers on the importance of Epicureanism as a source of numerous Christian beliefs. The author shows that Epicurus brought forth a new group of virtues, including peace of mind, brotherly love, faith, and hope, and that these concepts paved the way for the transition from the classical philosophies of Greece to the Christian religion. Evidence also is assembled to prove the vast numbers of Epicureans, their wide dispersion, and the longevity and far-reaching influence of the creed. A unique feature of Professor DeWitts investigation is the suggestion that Epicurean literature determined the form of the New Testament. The author contends that a tradition of abuse of Epicurus, begun in the philosophers own time, has persisted through the ages with a resulting distortion in most of the discussions of Epicureanism in standard philosophical works. In the present volume all excerpts from texts have been freshly translated to ensure accuracy and freedom from bias.
Synopsis
Minnesota Archive Editions uses digital technology to make long-unavailable books once again accessible to scholars, students, researchers, and general readers. Rich with historical and cultural value, these works are published unaltered from the original University of Minnesota Press editions. The books offered through Minnesota Archive Editions are produced in limited quantities according to customer demand and are available through select distribution partners.
Synopsis
Epicurus and His Philosophy was first published in 1954. Minnesota Archive Editions uses digital technology to make long-unavailable books once again accessible, and are published unaltered from the original University of Minnesota Press editions.
In this volume, the first comprehensive book in English about Epicurus, existing data on the life of the ancient philosopher is related to the development of his doctrine. The result is a fascinating account that challenges traditional theories and interpretations of Epicurean philosophy. Professor DeWitt demonstrates the fallacy of centuries of abuse of Epicurus and the resulting distortion of most discussions of Epicureanism that appear in standard philosophical works. Of major significance to students of philosophy and theology are the findings that show the importance of Epicureanism as a source of numerous Christian beliefs.
About the Author
Mr. DeWitt was a professor of Latin at Victoria College, University of Toronto.