Things to discuss:

1. His atomism (shape, size, and weight); the swerve;
2. The moral theory associated with his atomism: Hedonism (in his case, hedonistic egoism) (explain as a theory of value and as a theory of obligation); Pleasure (VIII 274) as intrinsic good (offer some of the standard criticisms)
3. The natural and necessary desires and pleasures; self- sufficiency, repose, and prudence
4. Letter p. 271 (on death) Doctrines XIV the secure life (discuss the releveance of the absence of the afterlife as a source of anxiety)
5. Look at (in Doctrines) XXIII, XXVII & XXVIII; XXIX,

Michael Kagan
Le Moyne College
March 28, 2001