Epicurus on philosophia and phrónêsis

Abstract

This article deals with the relationship and interconnection between philosophia and phrónêsis in Epicurus' doctrine. The study aims, first, to highlight the meaning and function that each of the wisdoms assumes in epicurean thought and, second, to insert itself and contribute to the scientific debate about a supposed hierarchy existing between them, as stated by the philosopher in the Letter to Menoeceus. We argue in favor of the hierarchy (the primacy of phrónêsis) and present some reasons that support this interpretation.