Facing Death Epicurus and His Critics [Paperback]

The ancient philosophical school of Epicureanism tried to argue that death is nothing to us. Were they right? James Warren examines the arguments they offered and evaluates their success, setting them against modern philosophical accounts of how death can be a harm. He also asks whether a life free from all fear of death is an attractive option and what the consequences would be of a full acceptance of the Epicureans' views.

1. Fears of death
2. Death and deprivation
3. Symmetry arguments
4. Premature death and a complete life
5. Living an Epicurean life
6. Conclusions

This book is what Epicureans and their critics, both hostile and sympathetic, have been waiting for. It is rare, indeed, to find a work that shows both a solid grasp of ancient texts, their proper philological interpretation and appreciation, and is at the same time clearly cognizant of the contemporary philosophical debates on the issues originally raised by our Greek sources. This is such a book and its publication will prove to be a milestone. --Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews