Epicurus Quote by Lucretius
““And in declaring true every theory that does not contravene the evidence of the senses, Epicurus does not blink the fact that the philosopher may arrive at more than one explanation for a given phenomenon—in some cases, even at explanations that are mutually exclusive or contradictory.””
About This Quote
Source Philosophical treatise: De Rerum Natura, Book 5, c. 50 BC
Multiple explanations can coexist for a phenomenon, even if they seem contradictory, as long as they fit sensory evidence.
In simple terms: Truth may have several valid,.
Key Takeaway
Consider all evidence‑based explanations.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
science
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
theoretical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- theoretical debates
- policy making
- education curricula
Key Concepts
pluralism
contradiction
empiricism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you choose between competing theories?
- When is it acceptable to hold contradictory views?
A Different Perspective
Conflicting explanations can cause confusion without clear criteria.
![“As you say of yourself, I too am an Epicurean . I consider the genuine (not the imputed) doctrines of Epicurus as containing everything rational in moral philosophy which Greece and Rome have left us. [ Letter to William Short, 31 October 1819 ]” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af0/thomas-jefferson-43_epicurean_as-you-say-of-yourself-i-too-am-an-epicu_1448972.jpg)
![“... deprived of pain, and also deprived of danger, able to do what it wants, [Nature] does not need us, nor understands our deserts, and it cannot be angry.” quote by Lucretius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/45d/lucretius-1632_able_deprived-of-pain-and-also-deprived-of-da_83651.jpg)
