Lucien, les philosophes et les philosophies

Abstract

Lucian of Samosata is one of the best Greek writers of the Roman Empire; his main field is, then, literature; however, it has been often noticed that his watchful, lucid and mocking gaze over the surrounding world might have something to do with philosophy. My aim in this article is to explore Lucian’s relationship with what at his time — and at any time— is called philosophy and with those of his contemporaries who were known as philosophers, emphazising how both notions — philosophy and contemporary philosopher— are remote from each other. To undertake this analysis, I will address the issue from three angles: first of all, the presence of Greek philosophical tradition in Lucian’s works; secondly, lucianic satire applied to philosophy and philosophers; and finally I will try to point out which kind of philosophy — if there is one— conveys Lucian’s thought