Epimarturēsis (Confirmation)

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  • The Epicurean method for testing opinions. An opinion about something we can observe is confirmed (epimarturēsis) when closer observation bears it out. An opinion about something we cannot observe directly, such as atoms or void, is accepted when nothing we observe contradicts it (ouk antimarturēsis), and rejected when observation contradicts it (antimarturēsis).

    Greek ἐπιμαρτύρησις (epimarturēsis); also antimarturēsis, "contradiction"

    The Epicurean method for testing opinions. An opinion about something we can observe is confirmed (epimarturēsis) when closer observation bears it out. An opinion about something we cannot observe directly, such as atoms or void, is accepted when nothing we observe contradicts it (ouk antimarturēsis), and rejected when observation contradicts it (antimarturēsis).

    1. Key Texts

    Quote from Diogenes Laertius 10.34

    Opinion they also call 'supposition', and they say that it is true and false. If it is attested or uncontested, it is true; if it is unattested or contested, it comes out false. Hence their introduction of that which awaited - for example, waiting and getting near the tower and learning how it appears from near by. (tr. Long & Sedley)

    2. See Also

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