Epicureanism tackled the big questions of death and the gods head-on. They argued that death shouldn't be feared since it brings no suffering, and that the soul simply disperses when we die. This view aimed to free people from anxiety about mortality.
As for the gods, Epicureans believed they existed but didn't meddle in human affairs. They saw deities as models of perfect happiness, living in blissful states between worlds. This theology aimed to remove fear of divine punishment and promote peace of mind.
Views on Death
Mortality of the Soul and Fear of Death
- Soul consists of atoms dispersing upon death, ceasing to exist
- Epicurus argued death should not be feared because it brings no suffering
- When we exist, death is not present; when death is present, we do not exist
- Fear of death stems from misconceptions about afterlife and non-existence
- Epicureans advocated focusing on present life rather than worrying about death
- Tetrapharmakos (four-part cure) includes "death is nothing to us" as a key principle
- Overcoming fear of death leads to greater peace of mind and enjoyment of life
Epicurean Approach to Mortality
- Death viewed as natural part of existence, not a punishment or tragedy
- Emphasis on quality of life over quantity of years lived
- Encourages living fully in the present moment, appreciating pleasures while alive
- Rejection of belief in afterlife or reincarnation
- Acceptance of death as final end eliminates anxiety about judgment or punishment after death
- Epicureans saw fear of death as major source of unnecessary suffering in life
- Cultivating proper understanding of death central to achieving ataraxia (tranquility)
Epicurean Theology
Divine Nature and Non-Intervention
- Gods exist in state of perfect happiness and tranquility (divine ataraxia)
- Deities do not intervene in human affairs or natural world
- Gods serve as models of ideal existence for humans to emulate
- Epicureans rejected notion of divine punishment or reward
- Belief in non-interventionist deities removes fear of godly wrath
- Divine beings inhabit intermundia (spaces between worlds) in Epicurean cosmology
- Understanding true nature of gods contributes to human peace of mind
Theological Controversies and Criticisms
- Epicurean theology often misunderstood as atheism by critics
- Accusations of impiety due to rejection of traditional religious practices
- Epicureans maintained belief in gods while redefining their nature and role
- Criticized for undermining social order by questioning religious orthodoxy
- Debate over whether Epicurean gods were merely theoretical constructs
- Some interpreted Epicurean theology as form of agnosticism or deism
- Epicureans defended their views as promoting truer understanding of divine nature