Planning for Discussion of "Academic Questions" (Lucretius Today Podcast)

    Our "Discussion Guide" for Epicurean references in "Academic Questions" is here:

    Debating Epicurus In Academic Questions


    There is important information in "Academic Questions" about Epicurus that needs to be brought out. Here's a "Deepseek" response with citations to places in the text to get us started on the areas to focus. This will help in assembly of a discussion guide from which we can conduct the podcast and future discussions:

    1. Critique of Epicurean Epistemology

    Cicero critiques Epicurean epistemology in Book II of Academica (the Lucullus). He argues against the Epicurean reliance on sensory perception as the sole source of truth. Look for discussions of sensation, error, and the limits of human knowledge.

    • Key Section: Academica II.19–II.24 (Cicero's critique of Epicurean sensory theory).

    2. Epicurean Physics and Cosmology

    Cicero addresses Epicurean physics, particularly their atomism, in Book I of Academica (the Catulus). He questions the adequacy of atomic theory to explain the order and complexity of the universe.

    • Key Section: Academica I.5–I.7 (discussion of Epicurean atomism and cosmology).

    3. Ethics and the Pursuit of Pleasure

    Cicero critiques Epicurean ethics, especially their focus on pleasure as the highest good, in Book II of Academica. He contrasts Epicurean hedonism with the Stoic emphasis on virtue.

    • Key Section: Academica II.131–II.140 (critique of Epicurean ethics and the concept of pleasure).

    4. The Role of the Gods

    Cicero discusses Epicurean theology in Book I of Academica, particularly their view of the gods as detached and uninvolved in the world. He contrasts this with the Stoic belief in divine providence.

    • Key Section: Academica I.29–I.32 (critique of Epicurean theology).

    5. Skepticism vs. Epicurean Dogmatism

    Throughout Academica, Cicero contrasts the Skeptic approach to knowledge with the dogmatism of the Epicureans. He argues that the Epicureans are too confident in their claims and fail to acknowledge the limits of human understanding.

    • Key Section: Academica II.98–II.104 (Skeptic critique of Epicurean dogmatism).

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