Abstract

The problem to be discussed in this paper is what it could have meant, in Epicurus’ words, to call oneself "autodidact", a term which in various philosophers is applied in a similar sense. As will be shown, with regard to Epicurus, autodidaxía has various meanings: a) the philosophical area within which the proper doctrine is made and conceived; b) the requirement of originality in one’s own thinking; c) that knowledge of oneself is without a master, as is also well-doing in moral acting; d) that self-knowledge requires autárkeia; e) that Epicurus, in this respect, cannot be separated from Socrates.