In last week’s discussion of Chapter 8 (Sensations, Anticipations, and Feelings) of Norman DeWitt’s book Epicurus and His Philosophy , the comment was made that there is likely a lot of confusion about what is meant by the “Canon of Truth.”

The Epicurean Canon of truth is NOT a set of conclusions or opinions about any subject or object whatsoever. The Epicurean Canon of truth is a set of three tools of precision, or measuring devices, analogous to yardsticks, straight edges, plumb lines, or any other type of measuring instrument by which we receive data which is only thereafter evaluated by the mind. It is a major mistake to confuse the tools of precision, or the measuring devices, with the objects which they are designed to measure. Test of truth is not the same as content of truth. The Epicurean Canon of truth is a triple contact with your environment.

The book Tripod of Truth, which is the most focused and complete introduction to the Epicurean system of epistemology, is available online for free.

Further Reading:

Epicurus and His Philosophy (Minnesota Archive Editions)