Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

The wise man and the sea: epicureans on sea storms, shipwreck, and chance
Nijs, W. (2023). The wise man and the sea: epicureans on sea storms, shipwreck, and chance. Greece & Rome 70(2): 238-255. https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0017383523000049
In: Greece & Rome. Cambridge University press: Cambridge. ISSN 0017-3835; e-ISSN 1477-4550, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Author 

Keyword
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Epicureanism; Diogenes of Oenoanda; Philodemus; sea travel; chance; rational calculus

Author  Top 

Abstract

    The idea that the sea is a dangerous and alien element in which one is at the mercy of higher powers, is deeply imbedded in Mediterranean culture, and has many parallels in Greek and Roman literature. From an Epicurean point of view, however, such higher powers belong to the realm of irrational beliefs which could threaten one's ἀταραξία (‘peace of mind’). What counts in Epicureanism is the rational calculus of all factors in order to minimize the influence of τύχη (‘chance’) on one's endeavours. This article explores how the Epicureans thought about the sea and its many dangers. It tries to establish under which circumstances the sage will travel by sea and gives special attention to Diogenes of Oenoanda's letter (fr. 71 + NF 214 + fr. 72 + fr. 70) about the shipwreck of Niceratus and his friends’ failure to minimize the agency of chance.


All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Author