The Ethics of Philodemus

Erscheinungsjahr 2011
ISBN: 978-0-19-964012-6
Verlag: OUP Oxford

Buch, Englisch, 366 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm, Gewicht: 556 g

Voula Tsouna presents a comprehensive study of the ethics of the Epicurean philosopher Philodemus, who taught Virgil, influenced Horace, and was praised by Cicero. His works have only recently become available to modern readers, through the decipherment of a papyrus carbonized by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Tsouna examines Philodemus' theoretical principles in ethics, his contributions to moral psychology, his method, his conception of therapy, and his therapeutic techniques. Part I begins with an outline of the fundamental principles of Philodemus' ethics in connection with the canonical views of the Epicurean school, and highlights his own original contributions. In addition to examining central features of Philodemus' hedonism, Tsouna analyses central concepts in his moral psychology, notably:

his conception of vices, which she compares with that of the virtues; his account of harmful or unacceptable emotions or passions; and his theory of corresponding acceptable emotions or 'bites'. She then turns to an investigation of Philodemus' conception of philosophy as medicine and of the
philosopher as a kind of doctor for the soul. By surveying his methods of treatment, Tsouna determines the place that they occupy in the therapeutics of the Hellenistic era. Part II uses the theoretical framework provided in Part I to analyse Philodemus' main ethical writings. The works considered focus on certain vices and harmful emotions, including flattery, arrogance, greed, anger, and fear of death, as well as traits related to the administration of property and wealth.

Zielgruppe

Scholars and students of ancient philosophy, classics, and the history of ethics

Autoren/Hrsg.

Tsouna, Voula

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Literaturwissenschaft Klassische Literaturwissenschaft Klassische Griechische & Byzantinische Literatur
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Ethik, Moralphilosophie
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Geschichte der Westlichen Philosophie Antike Philosophie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Preface
1: First Things
2: Vices, Emotions, and 'Bites'
3: Analysis and Treatment: Methodological and Epistemological Prolegomena
4: Therapeutic Tactics
5: On Frank Speech
6: Flattery and the Desire to Please
7: Arrogance and Related Vices
8: Wealth and Property Management
9: Anger and the Desire for Revenge
10: The Fear of Death
References
Index Locorum
General Index

Über Autor(innen)

Tsouna, Voula
Voula Tsouna is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, Santa Barbara.