Abstract

Plutarch’s attitude toward Epicurean philosophy is extremely hostile. According to him, at the core of Epicureanism is subversiveness, an attempt to attack the most fundamental components of Greek culture: traditional morality, religious beliefs, educational, and political commitment. Moreover, the Epicureans were the only philosophers in antiquity who openly criticised Socrates, first and foremost for his εἰρωνεία and “unreasonable” death. In the article, the main tenets of Epicureanism, as well as Plutarch’s polemical efforts, are centered around the figure of τετραφάρμα-κος, or the “fourfold remedy”.