La prosa filosofica in forma dialogica: Epicuro, Sul tempo (PHerc. 1413/1416)

Περὶ φύϲεωϲ clearly shows peculiar style and features, which are probably due both to the fact that its composition endured for many years and to its didactic function. Indeed, in this work, Epicurus does not hesitate to address his audience directly to get them involved. PHerc. 1413/1416 (cr 5) contains a work, the title of which does not survive, on the Epicurean conception of time, generally attributed to Epicurus and assigned to his Περὶ φύϲεωϲ. Through the identification of dicola and other signs, I confirmed that Epicurus adopted the dialogue form in this book, which is its distinctive feature that has interested scholars. This paper aims (1) to show the main characteristics of the style and dialogic structure of this book and (2) to demonstrate that Epicurus used a similar method of exposition in other books of the Περὶ φύϲεωϲ as well, especially in books XXV and XXVIII.