Descripción

Aus der Bibliothek von Prof. Wolfgang Haase, langj�igem Herausgeber der ANRW und des International Journal of the Classical Tradition (IJCT) / From the library of Prof. Wolfgang Haase, long-time editor of ANRW and the International Journal of the Classical Tradition (IJCT) Sehr guter Zustand, Schutzumschlag leicht verblichen und berieben / Very good condition, dustjacket slightly faded and rubbed - Einf�hrung / Introduction: One of the most startling and distinctive aspects of Epicurean philosophy is the atomic motion known as the �swerve.' The Epicureans are materialists, holding that the only things that exist per se are bodies and �void,� which is just empty space. Bodies are simply conglomerations of atoms which are uncuttable, extended bits of�full� space flying through the void as a result of their weight, past motions, and collisions with other atoms. But the Epicurean poet Lucretius writes that if all atomic motion were the deterministic result of past motions and weight, we would not have the �free volition� (libera voluntas) which allows each of us to move ourselves as we wish. Since we evidently do have the power to move ourselves as we wish, there must be a third, indeterministic cause of atomic motion, in addition to weight and past motions - a �swerving� of the atoms to the side at uncertain times and places, which saves us from fate. ISBN 9780521846967