Ataraxia

Definition

Ataraxia is a state of serene calmness and emotional tranquility, often associated with freedom from distress or anxiety. This concept is central to various philosophical traditions, particularly in seeking peace of mind through rational thought and ethical living.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ataraxia was highly valued by the Epicureans as an essential condition for achieving happiness, emphasizing tranquility over the chaos of everyday life.
2. In Skepticism, ataraxia is attained by suspending judgment on all matters, leading to a peaceful state of mind free from dogmatic beliefs.
3. Epicureans believed that understanding the nature of desires and limiting them to those that are necessary leads to ataraxia, as it reduces anxiety caused by unfulfilled desires.
4. The concept of ataraxia plays a crucial role in forming deep friendships in Epicureanism, as supportive relationships contribute to achieving a tranquil state.
5. Epicurean views on death and the gods promote ataraxia by teaching that fear and superstition can disrupt peace of mind, thus emphasizing rational thought for a tranquil life.

Review Questions

• How does the pursuit of ataraxia relate to the practice of suspending judgment in Skepticism?
  • In Skepticism, suspending judgment leads to ataraxia by allowing individuals to avoid the mental turmoil caused by definitive beliefs. By refraining from asserting truths about the world, skeptics achieve a calm state free from anxiety and distress. This approach fosters tranquility as one learns not to be disturbed by competing claims or uncertainties.
• Discuss how Epicureanism connects ataraxia with ethical living and the management of desires.
  • Epicureanism posits that ataraxia is attainable through ethical living, particularly by understanding and managing desires. By distinguishing between necessary and unnecessary desires, individuals can pursue only those that lead to true happiness. This management reduces stress and disappointment, allowing for a more serene existence that aligns with achieving ataraxia.
• Evaluate the role of ataraxia in forming friendships within Epicurean philosophy and its impact on overall well-being.
  • Ataraxia plays a vital role in Epicurean friendships, as strong bonds contribute significantly to personal tranquility. Epicureans argue that having supportive friends provides emotional security and shared pleasure, which enhances one's capacity for ataraxia. These relationships foster an environment where individuals can discuss their thoughts freely, helping to alleviate anxieties about life's uncertainties and promoting overall well-being.

Related terms

Eudaimonia: A state of flourishing or living well, often considered the ultimate goal of human life in many philosophical systems, closely linked to achieving ataraxia.

Apatheia: A state of being free from emotional disturbances, which complements ataraxia by emphasizing the absence of excessive emotions.

Hedonism: A philosophical approach that seeks pleasure as the highest good, where ataraxia can be seen as an ideal state achieved through the pursuit of moderate pleasures.