Stoics, Epicureans and Sceptics: An Introduction to Hellenistic PhilosophyThis study gives a comprehensive and readable account of the principal doctrines of the Stoics, Epicureans and various sceptical traditions from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC to about 200 AD. The discussion is arranged by topics, rather than schools, in order to bring out the underlying issues and make clear what the different schools have in common and how they differ. At the same time, the coherence of each system as a whole is emphasised. The Hellenistic philosophers and schools of philosophy are emerging from the shadow of Plato and Aristotle and are increasingly studied for their intrinsic philosophical value. Yet not only are they interesting in their own right, but they also form the intellectual background of the late Roman Republic and the early Empire. A thorough understanding of them is therefore essential for the appreciation of Latin thought and literature. Stoics, Epicureans and Sceptics provides an introduction to the subject for all who are interested in understanding the significance of this period of ancient thought. |
Other editions - View all
Stoics, Epicureans and Sceptics: An Introduction to Hellenistic Philosophy R.W. Sharples Limited preview - 2014 |
Stoics, Epicureans and Sceptics: An Introduction to Hellenistic Philosophy R. W. Sharples Limited preview - 1996 |
Stoics, Epicureans and Sceptics: An Introduction to Hellenistic Philosophy R. W. Sharples Limited preview - 1996 |
Common terms and phrases
accept accordance achieve action actually already ancient anxiety apparent Arcesilaus argued argument Aristotle assertion atoms body bring Cambridge cause Chapter Chrysippus Cicero claim concern death desire developed discussion distinction divine doctrine emphasis Epicurean Epicurus ethics everything evidence evil example exist experience explain fact Fate fear follow further give gods Greek happens happiness Hellenistic human images important individual infinite involved judgement knowledge later least Letters live logic Lucretius matter means mind moral move movement nature objects one's pain particular perhaps person philosophy physical Plato pleasure Plutarch position possible present Press principles problem providence question reason regarded rejected sage scepticism seems seen Seneca sensation sense Sextus shape simply sort soul Stoic suggested suppose swerve theory things thought true truth universe virtue whole wise writings