Overview

In Epicurean Meteorology Frederik Bakker discusses the meteorology as laid out by Epicurus (341-270 BCE) and Lucretius (1st century BCE). Although in scope and organization their ideas are clearly rooted in the Peripatetic tradition, their meteorology sets itself apart from this tradition by its systematic use of multiple explanations and its sole reliance on sensory evidence as opposed to mathematics and other axiomatic principles. Through a thorough investigation of the available evidence Bakker offers an updated and qualified account of Epicurean meteorology, arguing against Theophrastus' authorship of the Syriac meteorology, highlighting the originality of Lucretius' treatment of mirabilia, and refuting the oft-repeated claim that the Epicureans held the earth to be flat.

Full Product Details

Author:   Fredericus Antonius Bakker
Publisher:   Brill
Imprint:   Brill
Volume:   142
Weight:   0.608kg
ISBN:  

9789004321564

ISBN 10:   900432156
Pages:   304
Publication Date:   08 July 2016
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
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Table of Contents

Contents Preface List of Tables List of Illustrations List of Abbreviations 1 General Introduction 2 Multiple Explanations 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Preliminary Observations 2.3 Truth, Probability and Personal Preferences 2.4 Multiple Explanations and Doxography 2.5 The Sources of the Method of Multiple Explanations 2.6 Conclusions 3 Range and Order of Subjects in Ancient Meteorology 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Range, Delimitation and Subdivisions of Meteorology 3.3 Terrestrial Phenomena Other Than Earthquakes 3.4 Order of Subjects 3.5 Relations between the Four Texts 3.6 Conclusions 3.7 Epilogue: Epicurean Cosmology and Astronomy 4 The Shape of the Earth 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Historical and Conceptual Context 4.3 Discussion of Relevant Passages 4.4 Conclusions 5 General Conclusions Appendix 1: Multiple Explanations in Epicurus'Letter to Pythocles Appendix 2: Multiple Explanations in Lucretius'drn v and vi Appendix 3: General Structure of the Syriac Meteorology Bibliography Index Locorum General Index

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Author Information

Frederik Bakker, PhD (2010) Utrecht University, is assistant professor of Ancient Philosophy at the Radboud University in Nijmegen. His research focuses on ancient, especially Epicurean, natural philosophy and its reception in the Renaissance and Early Modern Period.

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