The Swerve: How the World Became Modern

Epicureans believe the universe is made of atoms. How does this belief affect Epicurean moral philosophy?

More’s book Utopia imagines a faraway society that lives in accordance with Epicurean ideals, but More makes one major exception that puts the Utopians in agreement with Catholic teaching. What is that exception, and why does More believe that any Epicurean society must make such an exception?

Like Christians, Epicureans believe in kindness, charity, and good works, yet the medieval Catholic church strongly opposes Epicureanism. Why is this?

Epicurus expects that the gods, if they exist, take no interest in human affairs. Why does he think this, and why does it matter to religious practice?

How does the rediscovery of the Lucretian poem On the Nature of Things help to launch the Renaissance?

You live in 15th-century Italy, where you openly advocate for an Epicurean way of life. You are arrested by the Inquisition, which threatens you with death unless you renounce publicly your beliefs. Will you recant and escape the pyre, or refuse to submit and face execution? Explain your decision.

What is the “swerve,” and how does it relate to the concept of free will?

Bruno is executed mainly for believing that the stars are suns with planets. Why does this idea offend the Catholic church of 1600?