Epicurus and Democritean Ethics: An Archaeology of Ataraxia (Cambridge Classical Studies) [Hardcover]

James Warren (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 17, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0521813697 | ISBN-13: 978-0521813693

The Epicurean philosophical system has enjoyed much recent scrutiny, but the question of its philosophical ancestry remains largely neglected. This book traces its origins in the fifth-century BC atomist Democritus, in his fourth-century followers such as Anaxarchus and Pyrrho, and in Epicurus' disagreements with his own Democritean teacher Nausiphanes. The result is not only a fascinating reconstruction of a lost tradition, but also an important contribution to the philosophical interpretation of Epicureanism, bearing especially on its ideal of tranquillity and on the relation of ethics to physics.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a piece of dense and detailed scholariship, painstakingly referenced and thoughtfully argued." Philosophy in Review

"This book will become a standard resource for historians of the period, providing an unsurpassed collection of material for studying the whole Democritean school, and in many cases providing definitive interpretations that will make further study unnecessary." Ethics

Book Description

The Epicurean philosophical system has enjoyed much recent scrutiny, but the question of its philosophical ancestry remains largely neglected. This book traces its origins in the fifth-century BC atomist Democritus, in his fourth-century followers such as Anaxarchus and Pyrrho, and in Epicurus' disagreements with his own Democritean teacher Nausiphanes. The result is not only a fascinating reconstruction of a lost tradition, but also an important contribution to the philosophical interpretation of Epicureanism, bearing especially on its ideal of tranquillity and on the relation of ethics to physics.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (June 17, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521813697
• ISBN-13: 978-0521813693
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,388,297 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply stunning., May 23, 2003

By 

Debra Curwen (Fredericksburg, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Epicurus and Democritean Ethics: An Archaeology of Ataraxia (Cambridge Classical Studies) (Hardcover)

An excellent account of the subject matter. Superb presentation and very rigorous indeed.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Response to Mr. Chappels, May 22, 2003

By 

Dr. Harry Macdonald (San Diego, CA , USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Epicurus and Democritean Ethics: An Archaeology of Ataraxia (Cambridge Classical Studies) (Hardcover)

In my opinion Warren's book - contrary to the above - is an intriguing and expansive treatment of Epicurus' moral theory. To dismiss Warren's conclusion so out of hand suggests to my mind misunderstanding more than anything else. Democritus seen as a model for Epicurus is in fact a hypothesis which is well substantiated, lucid and an exciting new angle on this topic.
I recommend this book unreservedly.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars rigorous yet compelling, April 30, 2003

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"lamberthn" (cambridge, uk) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Epicurus and Democritean Ethics: An Archaeology of Ataraxia (Cambridge Classical Studies) (Hardcover)

As students of Dr. James "jimmy" Warren we would like to promulgate that - in spite of not having read this work - it is probably one of the finest intellectual achievements of the last century.