Chapter XII: The Philosophy of Lucretius

Three aspects of the poem 307
General scope of the argument 308
Analysis of the poem 308
Question as to its unfinished condition 321
What is the value of the argument? 324
Weakness of his science 329
Interest of the work as an exposition of ancient physical enquiry 331
" from its bearing on modern questions 332
Power of scientific reasoning, observation, and expression 335
Connecting links between his philosophy and poetry 340
Idea of law 341
" of change 344
" of the infinite 347
" of the individual 348
" of the subtlety of Nature 349
" of Nature as a living power 350

CHAPTER XIII.

THE RELIGIOUS ATTITUDE AND MORAL TEACHING OF LUCRETIUS.

General character of Greek epicureanism 356
Prevalence at Rome in the last age of the Republic 358
New type of epicureanism in Lucretius 360
Forms of evil against which his teaching was directed 363
Superstition 364
Fear of death 369
Ambition 374
Luxury 375
Passion of love 376
Limitation of his ethical views 378
His literary power as a moralist 381