Epicureanism

Definition

Epicureanism is a philosophical system founded by Epicurus in the 4th century BCE, emphasizing the pursuit of happiness through the cultivation of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. It promotes a worldview that values personal tranquility, friendship, and understanding the natural world, connecting deeply with broader cultural and philosophical currents in the Greco-Roman world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Epicurus taught that the greatest pleasure comes from intellectual pursuits and friendships rather than purely physical indulgences.
2. Epicureanism argues against the fear of gods and death, suggesting that understanding the natural world can lead to a peaceful life.
3. The philosophy was widely discussed and adopted during the Hellenistic period, influencing various literary and cultural expressions.
4. Epicurus established a community known as 'The Garden,' where he taught his philosophy in an inclusive environment that welcomed women and slaves.
5. Lucretius' poem 'De Rerum Natura' is a significant Epicurean text that explores these themes, emphasizing a scientific view of the universe based on atomism.

Review Questions

• How did Epicureanism influence the views on pleasure and happiness during the Hellenistic period?
  • Epicureanism influenced the Hellenistic period by presenting pleasure not just as hedonistic indulgence but as a balanced pursuit of intellectual fulfillment and social harmony. It offered a framework for understanding happiness that included cultivating relationships and appreciating nature, contrasting with other schools like Stoicism. This philosophical approach resonated with many thinkers and writers, leading to a richer exploration of human experience in literature.
• Discuss how Epicurus' teachings reflect broader religious and philosophical perspectives within Hellenistic culture.
  • Epicurus' teachings reflected a shift towards individualism in Hellenistic culture, challenging traditional religious views about divine intervention and fate. By promoting a worldview grounded in naturalism and rationality, Epicureanism encouraged personal autonomy in ethical decision-making. This perspective fostered dialogues with other schools like Stoicism while also allowing for cultural exchange as people sought new ways to understand their place in a rapidly changing world.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Epicurean thought on later philosophical writings, particularly in relation to ethics and religion.
  • The lasting impact of Epicurean thought on later philosophical writings is evident in its challenge to religious dogma and its emphasis on rational inquiry into ethics. Thinkers such as Cicero critiqued and adapted Epicurean ideas, integrating them into Roman thought while preserving discussions on ethics. Additionally, Lucretius' works reveal how these concepts influenced literature, paving the way for future discussions on materialism and human fulfillment throughout history, thus highlighting continuity and change in religious thought.

Related terms

Atomism: The theory that all matter is composed of small, indivisible particles called atoms, which was a key idea in Epicurean thought about the nature of existence and the universe.

Hedonism: A philosophical belief that pleasure or happiness is the highest good, which closely aligns with the principles of Epicureanism but can have different interpretations regarding the types of pleasure that are pursued.

Ataraxia: A state of serene calmness and freedom from disturbance, which is a central goal in Epicurean philosophy and is achieved through the moderation of desires and understanding nature.