Single Idea 12044

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 2. Natural Purpose / c. Purpose denied]

Full Idea

Epicurus alone among the ancient schools denies that in nature we find any teleological explanations. Nothing in nature is for anything, neither the world as a whole nor anything in it.

Gist of Idea

Only Epicurus denied purpose in nature, for the whole world, or for its parts

Source

report of Epicurus (fragments/reports [c.289 BCE]) by Julia Annas - Ancient Philosophy: very short introduction

Book Reference

Annas,Julia: 'Ancient Philosophy: a very short introduction' [OUP 2000], p.89


A Reaction

This may explain the controversial position that epicureanism held in the seventeenth century, as well as its incipient atheism.