Epicureanism

Definition

Epicureanism is a philosophical system founded by the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, emphasizing the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain as the highest good. It teaches that the greatest pleasure comes from intellectual contemplation, friendship, and a simple life, which connects to various aspects of Greek philosophy and later Hellenistic thought.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Epicurus founded his school in Athens around 307 BCE, advocating for a life focused on personal happiness and mental tranquility.
2. Epicureanism teaches that fear of the gods and death are major sources of anxiety, which can be alleviated by understanding nature through philosophy.
3. The Epicurean idea of pleasure is not purely physical but encompasses mental pleasures, such as friendship, knowledge, and reflection.
4. Epicureans maintained that living a virtuous life leads to happiness and that one should seek moderate pleasures rather than indulgence.
5. Epicureanism significantly influenced later philosophical thought, including Roman philosophy, where it was adapted by figures like Lucretius and Seneca.

Review Questions

• How does Epicureanism define the concept of pleasure in relation to happiness?
  • Epicureanism defines pleasure as the highest good, but it distinguishes between physical pleasures and higher intellectual pleasures. While physical indulgences can bring temporary satisfaction, Epicurus argued that true happiness comes from lasting intellectual fulfillment, meaningful friendships, and a life lived with moderation. This perspective emphasizes a balanced approach to life, focusing on mental tranquility as essential for genuine pleasure.
• Discuss how Epicureanism contrasts with Stoicism in terms of their views on emotions and desires.
  • Epicureanism and Stoicism present contrasting views on emotions and desires. While Epicureans advocate for pursuing pleasurable experiences and managing desires to avoid pain, Stoics promote emotional resilience and detachment from desires to achieve inner peace. Stoicism teaches that virtue alone is sufficient for happiness, regardless of external circumstances, whereas Epicureanism emphasizes the importance of seeking pleasures that contribute to overall well-being and joy in life.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Epicureanism on both Hellenistic culture and later Roman philosophy.
  • The long-term impact of Epicureanism on Hellenistic culture is seen in its promotion of personal happiness and intellectual pursuits, which became central themes in later philosophical discourse. In Roman philosophy, figures like Lucretius integrated Epicurean ideas into their works, influencing thoughts on ethics, natural science, and even early Christian thought. The emphasis on moderation and understanding natural phenomena continued to resonate through subsequent philosophical movements, marking Epicureanism as a significant force in shaping Western philosophical traditions.

Related terms

Hedonism: A philosophical theory that considers pleasure to be the highest good and primary goal of human life.

Atomism: A natural philosophy that posits that the universe is composed of small indivisible particles called atoms, which was integral to Epicurus' understanding of the world.

Stoicism:

A school of Hellenistic philosophy that teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means to overcome destructive emotions, often contrasted with Epicureanism.