The ethics of Philodemus

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Bibliographic Information

The ethics of Philodemus

Voula Tsouna

Oxford University Press, 2011, c2007

  • : pbk

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"First published in paperback 2011"--T.p. verso

Originally published: 2007

Includes bibliographical references (p. [312]-322) and indexes

Description and Table of Contents

Description

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.

Table of Contents

  • 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

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