Author: Reinhardt,Tobias
Title: The Language of Epicureanism in Cicero: The Case of Atomism
Review/Collection: In : Tobias Reinhardt (ed.) et al., Aspects of the Language of Latin Prose, Proceedings of the British Academy (London, 2005; online edn, British Academy Scholarship Online, 31 Jan. 2012)
Year edition: 2005
Pages: 151–177
Keywords: Philosophie - Filosofia - Philosophy
Description: This chapter provides a discussion on Cicero’s treatment of Epicureanism. Cicero’s and Lucretius’ renderings of Epicurean terms and notions are radically different: whereas Lucretius’ seem colourful, suggestive, and rich, Cicero’s seem flat and matter-of-fact to the point of tedium. The purpose of atomism is to make all kinds of potentially frightening events in the world of experience less frightening by providing a rational explanation for them. The survey of terms for ‘atom’, namely atomus, corpora indiuidua, indiuidua, and corpusculum, is presented. The interpretation of the evidence from Cicero is also shown. Moreover, the chapter illustrates that Cicero read Epicurus’ texts with close attention to stylistic detail, and it is hence plausible to assume that imitating this particular aspect of Epicurus’ terminology was a relevant consideration for him. It then discusses the uses of terms for ‘atom’ and turns to the issue of what atoms ‘do’ in Cicero.[Author] 1. Introduction 2. Standard arguments against atomism 3. Survey of terms for ‘atom’ 4. Corpusculum 5. Uses of terms for ‘atom’ 6. What atoms do 7. Conclusion
Author initials: Reinhardt 2005
Title: The Language of Epicureanism in Cicero: The Case of Atomism
Review/Collection: In : Tobias Reinhardt (ed.) et al., Aspects of the Language of Latin Prose, Proceedings of the British Academy (London, 2005; online edn, British Academy Scholarship Online, 31 Jan. 2012)
Year edition: 2005
Pages: 151–177
Keywords: Philosophie - Filosofia - Philosophy
Description: This chapter provides a discussion on Cicero’s treatment of Epicureanism. Cicero’s and Lucretius’ renderings of Epicurean terms and notions are radically different: whereas Lucretius’ seem colourful, suggestive, and rich, Cicero’s seem flat and matter-of-fact to the point of tedium. The purpose of atomism is to make all kinds of potentially frightening events in the world of experience less frightening by providing a rational explanation for them. The survey of terms for ‘atom’, namely atomus, corpora indiuidua, indiuidua, and corpusculum, is presented. The interpretation of the evidence from Cicero is also shown. Moreover, the chapter illustrates that Cicero read Epicurus’ texts with close attention to stylistic detail, and it is hence plausible to assume that imitating this particular aspect of Epicurus’ terminology was a relevant consideration for him. It then discusses the uses of terms for ‘atom’ and turns to the issue of what atoms ‘do’ in Cicero.[Author] 1. Introduction 2. Standard arguments against atomism 3. Survey of terms for ‘atom’ 4. Corpusculum 5. Uses of terms for ‘atom’ 6. What atoms do 7. Conclusion
Author initials: Reinhardt 2005
