Epicurus

Definition

Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher who founded the school of philosophy known as Epicureanism, which emphasized the pursuit of happiness through the cultivation of friendship, moderation, and the understanding of nature. His teachings promoted the idea that pleasure, defined as the absence of pain and distress, is the highest good, which influenced thoughts during the Hellenistic period, leading to new ways of understanding life and personal fulfillment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Epicurus established his school in Athens around 307 BCE, where he taught that true pleasure comes from simple living and minimizing desires.
2. He argued that fear of gods and death causes unnecessary anxiety, advocating for a rational understanding of nature to overcome these fears.
3. Epicurus encouraged the cultivation of friendships as a key source of happiness and fulfillment in life.
4. His writings were compiled in 'The Principal Doctrines' and 'Vatican Sayings,' which laid out his philosophical ideas but survived mostly through later references.
5. Epicureanism had a lasting influence on later philosophical thought, particularly during the Renaissance, when ideas about individual happiness gained prominence.

Review Questions

• How did Epicurus' philosophy address the relationship between pleasure and happiness?
  • Epicurus believed that pleasure is the highest good and that true happiness comes from the absence of pain and distress. He differentiated between physical pleasures and mental pleasures, emphasizing that mental pleasures derived from knowledge, friendship, and tranquility are superior. By advocating for moderation and self-reflection, Epicurus aimed to help individuals achieve lasting contentment rather than fleeting indulgence.
• Discuss how Epicurus’ teachings on fear, especially regarding gods and death, reflect broader themes in Hellenistic thought.
  • Epicurus challenged conventional beliefs by teaching that fear of gods and death is detrimental to a fulfilling life. This perspective reflected broader Hellenistic themes of seeking personal autonomy and understanding one’s place in the universe. His materialistic view encouraged people to focus on tangible experiences rather than metaphysical anxieties, contributing to a shift toward individualism in Hellenistic philosophy.
• Evaluate the impact of Epicureanism on later philosophical movements and how it resonates in contemporary discussions about happiness.
  • Epicureanism significantly influenced later philosophical movements by framing happiness as achievable through rational thought and social connections. During the Renaissance, its focus on individual pleasure and moderation inspired Enlightenment thinkers who valued personal freedom and empirical understanding. In contemporary discussions, Epicurean ideas resonate with modern psychology's emphasis on well-being through meaningful relationships and mindfulness practices, highlighting its enduring relevance in pursuit of happiness.

Related terms

Ataraxia: A state of serene calmness and tranquility that Epicurus believed was essential for achieving happiness.

Hedonism: A philosophical system that considers pleasure as the highest good, closely related to Epicurus' ideas but often misinterpreted as advocating for excessive indulgence.

Materialism: The philosophical viewpoint that physical matter is the only or fundamental reality, which Epicurus incorporated into his understanding of nature and existence.