Lucretius, De Rerum Natura – Epicureanism in 1st-century BC Rome
Abstract
This article examines the influence and adaptation of Epicurean philosophy in 1st-century BC Rome, centered on Lucretius’s monumental work, De Rerum Natura (On the Nature of Things). The author discusses the competitive philosophical landscape of the era, where the "Garden" (Epicureanism) vied for influence against the "Stoa" (Stoicism), as well as Platonic and Aristotelian schools. The study highlights how Lucretius, while strictly adhering to Epicurus's core teachings, successfully integrated Roman traditional elements to create a uniquely Roman expression of physical philosophy. By addressing metaphysical anxieties through a naturalistic lens, Lucretius's work served as a vital bridge for Epicurean thought to enter the Roman consciousness.
Article Details
- How to Cite
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Kefalidou, A. (2022). Lucretius, De Rerum Natura – Epicureanism in 1st-century BC Rome. Ηθική. Περιοδικό φιλοσοφίας, (15), 123–135. https://doi.org/10.12681/ethiki.30741
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- No. 15 (2022)
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- Articles
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