The Epicurean school of philosophy was one of the dominant philosophies of the Hellenistic period. Founded by Epicurus of Samos (century 341-270 BCE) it was characterized by an empiricist epistemology and a hedonistic ethics. This title offers readers an exposition of the central tenets of Epicurus' philosophy.

Tim O'Keefe is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Georgia State University, USA.

Preface Acknowledgements Abbreviations 1. Introduction: The life of Epicurus and the history of Epicureanism Part I Metaphysics and Physics 2. Atoms and Void 3. Atomic Motion 4. Sensible Qualities 5. Cosmology 6. Biology and Language 7. The Mind 8. Freedom and Determinism Part II Epistemology 9. Scepticism 10. The Canon Part III Ethics 11. Pleasure, the Highest Good 12. Varieties of Pleasure, Varieties of Desire 13. The Virtues and Philosophy 14. Justice 15. Friendship 16. The Gods 17. Death Notes Further Reading References Index