Lucretius on Atomic Motion
A Commentary on De rerum natura 2. 1-332
Published on 28. March 2002
Book
Hardback
532 pages
978-0-19-924358-7 (ISBN)
Description
Lucretius' theory of atomic motion is one of the most difficult and technical parts of De rerum natura, and, for that reason, has hitherto been neglected by commentators. This is the first commentary to take account of the remarkable discoveries and re-evaluations in the field of Hellenistic philosophy over the past fifty-five years, which have been stimulated by the publication of many more Epicurean fragments from Herculaneum. The philosophical aspects of the poem cannot, however, be separated from the literary features.. The late Don Fowler possessed rare and unrivalled expertise in both the workings of Latin poetry and the intricacies of Epicurean philosophy. His commentary, therefore, sets new standards for Lucretian studies in its awesome command both of the literary, philological, and philosophical background to the poem, and of the relevant modern scholarship. The detailed notation, the clear interpretations of Greek philosophical terminology, and the systematic contextualization of Lucretius within the entire Graeco-Roman cultural tradition enable the reader to achieve a profound understanding of the great complexity of this text. Lucretius on Atomic Motion makes an exceptional contribution to the history of the Latin poetic language (for which Lucretius is of fundamental and innovative importance), yet, at the same time, manages to be a tool of interpretation of the Graeco-Latin philosophical debate which infuses Lucretius' verse. Don Fowler's commentary will be invaluable not only to Lucretian specialists but also to the whole world of classical scholarship.
Reviews / Votes
It will be an essentail reference work for everyone who works on the areas of Epicurean philosophy that Lucretius addresses in DRN ii 1-332. In addition to the usual sort of detailed textual analysis contained in a commentary, this volume distinguishes itself by containing extensive argumentation on how to interpret Lucretius' position on philosophical issues raised in DRN ii 1-332. * Ancient Philosophy * This volume should not be consulted only by people interested in issues of atomic motion. Fowler's excellent treatment of Lucretius' 'semi-personification' of Nature at DRN ii 168 would be useful for people working on other sections of DRN. * Ancient Philosophy * ... this book will be indispensable for researchers who work on DRN ii 1-332. I would not be surprised if more than fifty-five years pass again before another commentary on this part of the De Rerum Natura appears that improves significantly on it. * Ancient Philosophy * The substantial commentary combines lucid passages of philosophical reconstruction with generous and learned philological analysis. * Greece & Rome * In Lucretius on Atomic Motion Don Fowler produces a commentary on Lucretius like no other. His commentary achieves the status of a meta-commentary ... what makes this commentary claim our attention is the range of texts, both poetic and philosophical, ancient and modern, that Fowler brings to bear in revealing the deep background --and the later fortune-- of Lucretius' poem ... What is certain is that Don Fowler never veered from his devotion to reconstructing the argument, background and motivation of the most difficult stretch in Lucretius' poem and that his success in this will not be matched again. * Diskin Clay, Times Literary Supplement * ...endlessly learned and humane commentary. * Theresa Urbainczyk *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 35 mm
Weight
874 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-924358-7 (9780199243587)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Don Fowler was Fellow and Tutor in Classics at Jesus College, Oxford, from 1980 until his death on 15 October 1999
Content
Text ; Commentary ; Appendix A: Lucretius on the Clinamen and 'Free Will' ; Appendix B: What sort of a Reductionist was Epicurus? The Case of the Swerve ; Appendix C: The Feminine Principle: Gender in the De rerum natura