The language of atoms : performativity and politics in Lucretius' De rerum natura
Shearin, W. HAuthor
Shearin argues that ancient Epicurean writing on language offers a theory of performative language. Such a theory describes how languages acts, providing psychic therapy or creating new verbal meanings, rather than passively describing the nature of the universe. This observation allows us new insight into how Lucretius, our primary surviving Epicurean author, uses language in his great poem, 'De rerum natura' ('On the Nature of Things').
Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Shearin argues that ancient Epicurean writing on language offers a theory of performative language. Such a theory describes how languages acts, providing psychic therapy or creating new verbal meanings, rather than passively describing the nature of the universe. This observation allows us new insight into how Lucretius, our primary surviving Epicurean author, uses language in his great poem, 'De rerum natura' ('On the Nature of Things').
Description based on online resource; title from home page (viewed on October 28, 2014).
Speech acts in Epicureanism -- Lucretian promises : fides, foedus, and the politics of nature -- Antonomasia, anonymity, and atoms: naming effects in De rerum natura -- Catachrestic origins : speech acts and the politics of the performative.
Lucretius Carus, Titus
Lucretius Carus, Titus.
Atoms
Languages & Literatures
Greek & Latin Languages & Literatures