Thomas Hobbes and the reception of early-modern Epicureanism
This thesis is a study of Epicurean motifs (Epicurea) within the philosophical system of Thomas Hobbes in general; it examines all aspects of Hobbesian philosophy, viz. first philosophy, physics, anthropology, ethics, and politics within the context of the revival of early-modem Epicureanism and atomism in England as well as Europe. Thereby, it not only attempts to set Hobbes's understanding of Epicureanism in the general context of its reception in the seventeenth century but also to explore the specific Epicurean elements within Hobbes's philosophy. As a consequence, this thesis argues that the genesis of certain Hobbesian ideas must be considered against the background of Hobbes' s encounter with the late Renaissance and humanist Epicurean tradition as well as suggesting that Hobbes' s ideas in anthropology and ethics, but consequently also in his politics, reflect Epicurean motifs to a greater degree as has yet been acknowledged. Chapter One is concerned with establishing the Epicurean background. It primarily focuses on English Epicureanism and the emergence of atomism in England but also considers the continental European influences. The following four chapters are then devoted to exploring the Epicurea
Friedle, Simon
Epicureans (Greek philosophy)
Thomas Hobbes and the reception of early-modern Epicureanism. This thesis is a study of Epicurean motifs (Epicurea) within the philosophical system of Thomas Hobbes in general; it examines all aspects of Hobbesian philosophy, viz. first philosophy, physics, anthropology, ethics, and politics within the context of the revival of early-modem Epicureanism and atomism in England as well as Europe. Thereby, it not only attempts to set Hobbes's understanding of Epicureanism in the general context of its reception in the seventeenth century but also to explore the specific Epicurean elements within Hobbes's philosophy. As a consequence, this thesis argues that the genesis of certain Hobbesian ideas must be considered against the background of Hobbes' s encounter with the late Renaissance and humanist Epicurean tradition as well as suggesting that Hobbes' s ideas in anthropology and ethics, but consequently also in his politics, reflect Epicurean motifs to a greater degree as has yet been acknowledged. Chapter One is concerned with establishing the Epicurean background. It primarily focuses on English Epicureanism and the emergence of atomism in England but also considers the continental European influences. The following four chapters are then devoted to exploring the Epicurea
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