Routledge Epicureanism (Ancient Philosophies) - Routledge Guide

Discover the philosophy of Epicurus with this comprehensive introduction to one of antiquity's most influential schools of thought. Founded by Epicurus of Samos in the 4th century BCE, Epicureanism shaped intellectual discourse throughout the Hellenistic period with its distinctive empiricist epistemology and hedonistic ethics. This guide offers clear exposition of Epicurus' central philosophical tenets, connecting ancient ideas to contemporary analytic philosophy debates. The first part examines the fundamentals of Epicurus' metaphysics, including atomic theory and its broader implications. Whether you're a student of ancient philosophy, history, or classical civilisation, this Routledge volume provides accessible analysis of how Epicurean thought continues to resonate with modern philosophical inquiry and challenges common misconceptions about hedonism in ancient Greece.