Kanōn (The Canon)

Table of Contents

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Epicurus' name for his theory of knowledge: the "measuring stick" against which every claim about the world is tested. He wrote a book called the Canon, now lost, and his followers called this part of the philosophy "canonics" in place of the logic and dialectic of the other schools.

Greek κανών (kanōn), a measuring rod or rule
The canon names three criteria (standards) of truth: the sensations, the anticipations (prolēpseis), and the feelings of pleasure and pain. See The Criteria of Truth.

1. Key Texts

Quote from Diogenes Laertius 10.31

Thus Epicurus, in the Canon ('Yardstick'), says that sensations, preconceptions and feelings are the criteria of truth. The Epicureans add the 'focusings of thought into an impression.' (tr. Long & Sedley)

2. See Also

The Criteria of Truth Are The Sensations, Anticipations, and Feelings
He Who Says Nothing Can Be Known Knows Nothing
All Sensations Are True
Prolēpsis (Anticipation)
Aisthēsis (Sensation)
Pathē (Feelings)

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