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Epicurean philosophy is perhaps best known for its ethical system, which places an emphasis on the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain, and for its removal of the gods from the physical world. While many approaches have been made to interpret Epicureanism through its ethics, I believe that the whole of the Epicurean system of philosophy can be comprehended by a thorough understanding of its epistemology. Using Lucretius' De Rerum Natura, I hope to show that Epicurean thought is based not on ethics but rather on the epistemological claim that the senses cannot be rebutted. In doing so, I will also resolve some of the inherent contradictions that arise from the Epicureans' empirical understanding of the world, such as how the senses can be deceived, and how the world can be comprised of imperceptible atoms.
A Thesis submitted to the Department of Classics in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts.
Bibliography Note
Includes bibliographical references.
Advisory Committee
Svetla Slaveva-Griffin, Professor Directing Thesis; Timothy Stover, Committee Member; Nathanael Stein, Committee Member.
Publisher
Florida State University
Identifier
FSU_migr_etd-4921
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