Epicurus, (born 341 bc, Samos, Greece—died 270, Athens), Greek philosopher, author of an ethical philosophy of simple pleasure, friendship, and retirement. He founded schools of philosophy that survived directly from the 4th century bc until the 4th century ad.
What philosophy was founded by Epicurus?
Philosophy Epicureanism
Philosophy. Epicureanism argued that pleasure was the chief good in life. Hence, Epicurus advocated living in such a way as to derive the greatest amount of pleasure possible during one’s lifetime, yet doing so moderately in order to avoid the suffering incurred by overindulgence in such pleasure.
What is Epicurus theory?
Epicurus’ ethics is a form of egoistic hedonism; i.e., he says that the only thing that is intrinsically valuable is one’s own pleasure; anything else that has value is valuable merely as a means to securing pleasure for oneself.
What does Epicurus say is the most important thing in life?
For Epicurus, the most pleasant life is one where we abstain from unnecessary desires and achieve an inner tranquility (ataraxia) by being content with simple things, and by choosing the pleasure of philosophical conversation with friends over the pursuit of physical pleasures like food, drink, and sex.
What did Epicurus believe was the point of life?
The philosophy of Epicurus (341–270 B.C.E.) was a complete and interdependent system, involving a view of the goal of human life (happiness, resulting from absence of physical pain and mental disturbance), an empiricist theory of knowledge (sensations, together with the perception of pleasure and pain, are infallible
What is the famous line of Epicurus?
Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for. Death does not concern us, because as long as we exist, death is not here. And when it does come, we no longer exist.
What is epicureanism in simple words?
Epicureanism, which comes from ancient Greek philosophy, is a focus on the importance of pleasure. If you devote yourself to going to the symphony and eating fine foods, it’s because of your epicureanism.
What are Epicurus three sources of happiness?
He believed that there were 3 ingredients to happiness. Friends, Freedom, and an Analyzed life. He also believed that we needed to be self sufficient in our lives to procure happiness.
Does Epicurus believe in God?
The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus (341-270BC) also thought that natural evil challenges our belief in God. He reasoned: If God knows about our suffering (all-knowing), cares about our suffering (all-loving), and can do something about our suffering (all-powerful), then there shouldn’t be any suffering!
What is Epicurus view on death?
Death, Epicurus argued, cannot touch us because “while we exist death is not present, and when death is present we no longer exist.” Since death cannot touch us it cannot be bad. Fear is rational only for something bad. So Epicurus concludes that fearing death is pointless.
What did Epicurus say about love?
But Epicurus observed that happiness and love (let alone marriage) almost never go together. There is too much jealousy, misunderstanding and bitterness. Sex is always complicated and rarely in harmony with affection. It would be best, Epicurus concluded, never to put too much faith in relationships.
Does Epicurus believe in free will?
Epicurus was arguably the first to make free will a central philosophical issue (see Free will). He takes it that determinism must be false.
What is Epicurean motto?
Epicureanism was later summed up as a motto: eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may die. It is also known as hedonism, the philosophy of good living.
Did Epicurus believe in religion?
This Christian tradition consistently highlighted Epicurus’ apparent hedonism, anti- providentialism, and atomism as the clearest signs of his atheism. To many early modern Christian apologists, an Epicurean was to be confuted as an atheist, not sympathetically engaged or endorsed.
What does Epicurus say about human nature?
From his analysis of human motivation, Epicurus concludes that desires can be divided into “natural” (arising from human nature) and “unnatural” (acquired as part of one’s society). Unnatural desires, such as the desires for power or fame or wealth, lead to pleasure which are very impurely mixed with inevitable pains.
Who founded stoicism?
Zeno of Citium
Stoicism takes its name from the place where its founder, Zeno of Citium (Cyprus), customarily lectured—the Stoa Poikile (Painted Colonnade). Zeno, who flourished in the early 3rd century bce, showed in his own doctrines the influence of earlier Greek attitudes, particularly those mentioned above.
What was the main idea of the Stoic philosophy?
Stoicism teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions; the philosophy holds that becoming a clear and unbiased thinker allows one to understand the universal reason (logos).