Author Description

This introduction to Epicureanism offers students and general readers a clear exposition of the central tenets of a dominant philosophy of the Hellenistic period. Founded by Epicurus of Samos (c. 341-270 BCE), this school of thought holds that for a human being the greatest good is to attain tranquility -- freedom from fear and bodily pain -- by seeking to understand the workings of the world and the limits of our desires. Tim O'Keefe provides an extended exegesis of the arguments that support Epicurean philosophical positions, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, and shows how the different areas of Epicurean inquiry come together to make a whole. Part 1 introduces the fundamentals of Epicurus' metaphysics, Part 2 explores his epistemology, and Part 3 examines his ethics. Lucid, witty, and entertaining, "Epicureanism" wears its knowledge lightly while offering a wealth of stimulating and humorous thought experiments and examples. -- From publisher's description.