Επιβολη τησ διανοιασ: Reflections on the fourth epicurean criterion of truth

Classical Quarterly 71 (2):601-616 (2021)
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Abstract

This paper discusses ἐπιβολαὶ τῆς διανοίας, which later Epicureans are supposed to have elevated to a fourth criterion of truth to complement perceptions, preconceptions and feelings. By examining Epicurus’ extant writings, the paper distinguishes three different senses of the term: ‘thought in general’, ‘act of attention’ and ‘mental perception’. It is argued that only the sense ‘mental perception’ yields a plausible reading of ἐπιβολαί as a criterion of truth. The paper then turns to the textual evidence on ἐπιβολαί in later authors. While the term ἐπιβολή is not used by Cicero, Lucretius and Philodemus in the sense of mental perception, it is argued that this still is the most plausible way of understanding ἐπιβολή as a criterion of truth.

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Citations of this work

Epicurean Feelings ( pathē) as Criteria.Jan Maximilian Robitzsch - 2024 - Archiv für Geschichte der Philosophie 106 (4):754-775.

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References found in this work

Epicurean Preconceptions.Voula Tsouna - 2016 - Phronesis 61 (2):160-221.
Epicurean Dreams.Voula Tsouna - 2018 - Elenchos: Rivista di Studi Sul Pensiero Antico 39 (2):231-256.
I pathe di Epicuro tra epistemologia ed etica.Francesco Verde - 2018 - Elenchos: Rivista di Studi Sul Pensiero Antico 39 (2):205-230.
Epicurus on Truth and Falsehood.Alexander Bown - 2016 - Phronesis 61 (4):463–503.
Colloquium 2: Method and Evidence: On Epicurean Preconception1.Pierre-Marie Marie - 2008 - Proceedings of the Boston Area Colloquium of Ancient Philosophy 23 (1):25-55.

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