Epicurus' Rejection of Determinism

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  • Until such time as we can write a summary, we'll start this page with collecting citations relevant to Epicurus' Rejection of Determinism.

    Among the most important articles to consult is David Sedley's "Epicurus' Rejection of Determinism"

    As of June or 2024 our most recent and extensive thread on this subject is here:

    Thread

    Can Determinism Be Reconciled With Epicureanism? (Admin Edit - No, But Let's Talk About Why Not)

    I am confused. I was listening to a French writer Michel Onfray, who is known for his Epicurean views. The first half was very much in-line with what I would expect. Then there are his views on determinism. I have added the link, unfortunately, in French, but the essence is:

    1. Your life has been impacted by many events driven partly by necessity (e.g. you were raised in the South, you taste for food would be a function of that) and partly by chance (people and events you encounter in your life…
    waterholic
    September 24, 2022 at 8:46 AM


    Other References:

    Post by Bryan, March 2024 - Here is a gem I came across today from Epicurus on determinism:

    P.Herc. 1056, Epicurus, On Nature 25.7.9 (Sedley trans.) “For this is a self-refuting kind of argument, and can never prove that everything is of the kind called ‘under compulsion.’ In fact, in disputing this very question he treats his opponent as if he were speaking nonsense by his own choice. And even if, as far as mere words go, he keeps on ad infinitum always saying that he is on the contrary doing it under compulsion, he is not reasoning it empirically, since he imputes to himself the responsibility for having reasoned correctly, and to his opponent the responsibility for having reasoned incorrectly.”

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