Chapter XII: The Philosophy of Lucretius

Three aspects of the poem 300
General scope of the argument 301
Analysis of the poem 303
Question as to its unfinished condition 313
What is the value of the argument? 316
Weakness of his science 317
Interest of the work as an exposition of ancient physical enquiry 325
" from its bearing on modern questions 326
Power of scientific reasoning, observation, and expression 327
Connecting links between his philosophy and poetry 333
Idea of law 333
" of change 336
" of the infinite 339
" of the individual 340
" of the subtlety of Nature 341
" of Nature as a living power 342

CHAPTER XIII.

THE RELIGIOUS ATTITUDE AND MORAL TEACHING
OF LUCRETIUS.

General character of Greek epicureanism 348
Prevalence at Rome in the last age of the Republic 350
New type of epicureanism in Lucretius 352
Forms of evil against which his teaching was directed 355
Superstition 356
Fear of death 361
Ambition 366
Luxury 367
Passion of love 368
Limitation of his ethical views 370
His literary power as a moralist 372