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A Functional Reading of the Epicurean Classification of Desires

  • Jan Maximilian Robitzsch ORCID logo EMAIL logo
Published/Copyright: January 21, 2021
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Abstract

This paper examines the classification of desires that the Epicureans offer in their writings. It surveys the extant textual evidence for the classification and discusses the relationship between natural and necessary, natural and unnecessary, and unnatural and unnecessary desires. It argues that while the practical significance of the Epicurean classification is clear, which desires fall into which class is not. The paper suggests the reason for this may be that the Epicureans acknowledge some variability in their concept of human nature, arguing for a functional reading of the Epicurean classification of desires.

Keywords: Epicurus; desire; ethics

Corresponding author: Jan Maximilian Robitzsch, Department of Philosophy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 801 McClung Tower, Knoxville, TN 37996-0480, USA, Email:

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Clerk Shaw for detailed comments on an earlier version as well as discussion at various points. I presented a version of this paper at the 2020 Eastern APA meeting in Philadelphia. Thanks to the audience and to my commentator on this occasion, John Proios, for the suggestions for improvement. Finally, I am very grateful to the anonymous reader for Apeiron who read multiple drafts of this paper and provided extensive feedback.

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Published Online: 2021-01-21
Published in Print: 2022-04-26

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