Epicureanism

Definition

Epicureanism is a philosophical system founded by Epicurus in the 4th century BCE that teaches that the pursuit of pleasure, particularly mental pleasure and the avoidance of pain, is the highest good. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of friendship, knowledge, and simple pleasures in achieving happiness while advocating for a life free from fear, particularly fear of the gods and death.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Epicureanism emphasizes the pursuit of intellectual pleasures over physical ones, advocating for a balanced lifestyle that leads to true happiness.
2. Epicurus taught that understanding the natural world through reason helps eliminate unnecessary fears, particularly fear of the gods and death.
3. The Epicurean community was known as 'The Garden,' where followers could gather to discuss philosophy and live out their principles.
4. Epicureanism argues that simple pleasures, such as friendship and knowledge, are more fulfilling than wealth or luxury.
5. Although Epicureanism is often misunderstood as promoting indulgence, its core teaching encourages moderation and mindfulness in seeking happiness.

Review Questions

• How does Epicureanism define pleasure in contrast to other philosophies like Hedonism?
  • Epicureanism defines pleasure primarily as mental pleasure and the absence of pain, contrasting with Hedonism, which often focuses on maximizing physical pleasure. While both philosophies value pleasure as important, Epicureanism emphasizes a more balanced approach that includes intellectual fulfillment and emotional stability. This perspective leads to a richer understanding of happiness that goes beyond mere indulgence.
• Discuss the role of ataraxia in Epicurean thought and its significance for achieving happiness.
  • Ataraxia, or a state of serene calmness, plays a crucial role in Epicurean thought as it represents the ideal state of mind for achieving happiness. By focusing on cultivating ataraxia, individuals can eliminate fears and anxieties related to death and the gods, thus allowing them to enjoy life’s simple pleasures without distraction. This concept aligns with Epicurus's teaching that tranquility is essential for a fulfilled life.
• Evaluate how Epicureanism’s approach to ethics and happiness reflects Aristotle’s influence on later Hellenistic philosophies.
  • Epicureanism’s approach to ethics and happiness reflects Aristotle’s influence by focusing on achieving eudaimonia, or human flourishing, though through different means. While Aristotle emphasized virtue ethics and living in accordance with reason, Epicurus shifted the focus towards the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain as keys to happiness. Both philosophies encourage rational thought and moderation; however, Epicureanism adapts these ideas to prioritize personal contentment over societal virtue, illustrating a significant evolution in philosophical thought during the Hellenistic period.

Related terms

Hedonism: A philosophical doctrine that posits pleasure as the highest good and primary motivator of human behavior.

Ataraxia: A state of serene calmness and emotional stability, which Epicureans believe is essential for achieving happiness.

Materialism:

The belief that only physical matter exists and that all phenomena, including consciousness, can be explained through material interactions.