Epicurus

Definition

Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher who founded the school of philosophy known as Epicureanism around the 4th century BCE. His teachings emphasized the pursuit of happiness through the acquisition of knowledge, friendship, and a simple life, advocating for the enjoyment of pleasures in moderation while minimizing pain. Epicurus proposed that the highest good is to attain a state of tranquility and freedom from fear, which connects deeply with the philosophical explorations during the Hellenistic period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Epicurus established his school in Athens, called 'The Garden', where he taught his followers about living a life of pleasure and avoiding pain.
2. He believed that fear of the gods and death were the main sources of human anxiety and that understanding nature could alleviate these fears.
3. Epicurus distinguished between necessary desires, which should be satisfied for a happy life, and unnecessary desires, which could lead to suffering if pursued excessively.
4. His ideas were largely preserved through later followers, particularly in the writings of Lucretius, who translated Epicurean thought into Latin.
5. Epicureanism became a significant counterpoint to Stoicism during the Hellenistic period, emphasizing personal happiness over stoic endurance.

Review Questions

• How did Epicurus' philosophy challenge conventional views about pleasure and happiness during the Hellenistic period?
  • Epicurus challenged traditional views by arguing that true happiness comes from simple pleasures rather than excessive indulgence. He taught that understanding the nature of desires is crucial; necessary desires lead to happiness while unnecessary ones lead to pain. This perspective shifted the focus from seeking wealth or fame to valuing friendship and tranquility, fundamentally altering the discourse on happiness in his time.
• Discuss the role of ataraxia in Epicurean thought and its significance compared to other philosophies like Stoicism.
  • Ataraxia, or a state of serene calmness, is central to Epicurean thought as it represents the ultimate goal of a pleasurable life free from pain and fear. Unlike Stoicism, which emphasizes endurance and self-control in facing life's adversities, Epicureanism prioritizes achieving inner peace through rational understanding and moderation. This difference illustrates contrasting approaches to achieving tranquility: one through acceptance and resilience, the other through knowledge and enjoyment.
• Evaluate how Epicurus' teachings on friendship contribute to his broader philosophical system and its impact on later philosophical thought.
  • Epicurus emphasized friendship as an essential component of a happy life, seeing it as vital for achieving ataraxia. He believed that strong bonds provide emotional support and enhance life's pleasures, setting his views apart from more individualistic philosophies. This idea influenced later thinkers by highlighting social connections as fundamental to well-being, paving the way for subsequent ethical theories that value community and relationships in human fulfillment.

Related terms

Hedonism: A philosophical doctrine that considers pleasure as the highest good and proper aim of human life.

Ataraxia: A state of serene calmness or freedom from emotional disturbance and anxiety, which is a key goal in Epicurean philosophy.

Materialism: The philosophical view that everything that exists is made up of matter and that all phenomena, including consciousness, can be explained in terms of material interactions.