CLASSIC 20 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Panaetius, Lucretius, Rhodes
Document Summary
Outline: introduction, epicureans, stoics, a modern seneca . Wikipedia claims he"s a philosopher first, then orator or lawyer. Not a stoic in name but stoic in attitude. Were almost inseparable, patriotism and piety are indistinguishable values. Most reliable is the philosophers, but best for the state is the politician version. Polybius: greek historian wrote on origins of roman imperialism. State religion doesn"t provide emotional escape and meaning of life, so upper class turns to philosophers. Follow epicurus, a greek philosopher under platonist philosopher. First taught in mytilene, later moved to another city (lampascus) then moves to. Tried to banish the fear of death by explaining nature. Atomic theory: world is made of atoms that move and come together, form everything, atoms break apart death/decay nothing more. Ataraxia: meaning without worry, anxiety, and can live life to the fullest; modern distortion of epicurean mentality one who gives himself up to sensual pleasures.
