Abstract: This chapter examines Philodemus' method of analysis and treatment in the ethical treatises. It comments on some general features of Philodemus' empirical approach to ethics, many of which are developed in his work On Signs and are also found in his treatment of various arts and sciences, moral education, and even religion. These features comprise Philodemus' reliance on observation and experience, and his use of methods of reasoning that are focused on experience or directed towards it; the development of the medical analogy in connection with such methods; the kind of definitions intended to describe ethical concepts; and Philodemus' appeal to preconception in order to solve problems in practical ethics. On these counts, Philodemus remains close to the canonical tradition of his school, and expands it in ways appropriate to his own project.

Keywords: Philodemus, ethics, medical metaphor, medicine, philosophy, On Signs,