Природата на 'πρόληψις' во Епикурејската гносеологија

Abstract

With the revitalization of Hellenistic philosophy, the concept of πρόληψις was one of the first to be re‐examined. Considering that the notion of πρόληψις (preconception) does not correlate with any known contemporary epistemological term, it is difficult to define its nature. Following Laertius’ testimony, preconceptions are naturally and immediately formed notions of what often appears outside and is constantly confirmed by further sensations. The problem occurs as to whether this concept introduces rationalistic elements in Epicurean epistemology concerning particular preconceptions—for example, the preconception of God. Epicurus tends to found this preconception on the basis of the “consensus gentium” argument that entails the conclusion that every man has a common, innate notion of God. This article seeks to find an adequate translation of the term in Macedonian, to analyze the contrary opinions that may be concluded from the arguments presented by the sources, to point out the semantic function of the preconception and to give an opinion as to the nature of the preconceptions viewed from a wider scope considering the Epicurean doctrine. Sensations are the ultimate criterion of truth by which even the most subtle theories are tested, so a quest for further and more exact criterion is unnecessary. Preconceptions are in a way an extended function of sensations and their nature is no different than the nature of sensations. This correlates with the genuine Epicurean philosophical standpoint, namely with his atomism and his sensualism.