Eliminativism in Ancient Philosophy - by Ugo Zilioli

Book Synopsis

A comparative investigation in the metaphysics of material objects in ancient philosophy, this book provides radically new insights into key themes and areas of ancient thought by drawing on Greek and Buddhist philosophies.
Ugo Zilioli explicates the neglected tradition of philosophers who in different ways made material objects either redundant or ontologically dispensable in the ancient world. Chapters cover concepts such as nihilism, indeterminacy, solipsism and tropes, demonstrating how the philosophy of major thinkers Protagoras, Vasubandhu, Gorgias, Nagarjuna, Pyrrho, and the Cyrenaics advance our understanding of eliminativism.
Zilioli's historical and philosophical reconstruction challenges traditional readings of key moments and figures in the history of thought, both Eastern and Western, as well as providing conceptual tools that are of interest not only to historians of philosophy but also to contemporary metaphysicians.

Review Quotes

This book presents an astute comparison between philosophers in ancient Greece and India who, for some reason or another, set out to eliminate material objects from their theories. The highly original, historically rich, and analytically sophisticated discussion presented here will be of great interest to any reader wishing to learn more about fundamental questions of metaphysics, East and West.
Jan Westerhoff, Professor of Buddhist Philosophy, Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford, UK

Ugo Zilioli's new book, Eliminativism in Ancient Philosophy, is a captivating journey through ancient Greek and Buddhist philosophy. With a keen focus on key thinkers like Protagoras, Gorgias, and Pyrrho, Zilioli skillfully navigates well-explored territories while shedding light on lesser-known metaphysics. The intriguing parallels drawn between Greek and Buddhist thought, particularly through Vasubandhu and Nagarjuna, offer new perspectives on the philosophical status of material objects.
Joachim Aufderheide, Reader in Philosophy, King's College London, UK

Zilioli's groundbreaking book explores the origins of ontology based on doubts about material reality. A captivating dialogue with Eastern tradition adds unique depth. A must-read for those seeking intellectual stimulation, a fresh perspective on existence, and a philosophical adventure that is not to be missed!
Claudia Marsico, Professor of Philosophy, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina

About the Author

Ugo Zilioli is Leverhulme Researcher at the Faculty of Theology and Religion at Oxford University and Associate Member of Lady Margaret Hall, UK.His main publications include: The Cyrenaics (2014), Protagoras and the Challenge of Relativism(2016); as editor, From the Socratics to the Socratic Schools (2015); Atomism in Philosophy: A History from Antiquity to the Present (Bloomsbury, 2020).