The Ethics of Philodemus

by Voula Tsouna

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199292172
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	03/01/2008
Pages:	366
Product dimensions:	9.39(w) x 6.45(h) x 1.06(d)

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

AcknowledgementsAbbreviationsPreface1. First Things2. Vices, Emotions, and 'Bites'3. Analysis and Treatment: Methodological and Epistemological Prolegomena4. Therapeutic Tactics5. On Frank Speech6. Flattery and the Desire to Please7. Arrogance and Related Vices8. Wealth and Property Management9. Anger and the Desire for Revenge10. The Fear of DeathReferencesIndex LocorumGeneral Index