Epicurean epitomes: readers, functions and problems

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to analyze the functions that Epicurus explicitly assigns to the different epitomes that have been preserved of his philosophy. The aim of the analysis will be, in the first place, to point out certain problems that underlie what I will call the Minimal Interpretation, which is built upon three main assumptions: I) that Epicureanism is a philosophy which is open to any individual regardless of his gender, his social status o his philosophical formation; ii) that, in accordance with this, Epicurean epitomes represent summaries of the main Epicurean doctrines, which can be read by anyone, regardless of her philosophical background; iii) that a certain minimal handling of the epitomes is enough to achieve eudaimonia. I will then analyze an alternative reading, already suggested by certain scholars, which emphasizes the existence of two distinct approaches to the epitomes, and conclude by pointing out the difficulties inherent in this line of interpretation.