Epicureanism

Definition

Epicureanism is a philosophical system developed by the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, which emphasizes the pursuit of a simple, pleasure-filled life through the cultivation of ataraxia (freedom from disturbance) and the minimization of desires and anxieties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Epicureanism emphasized the importance of minimizing desires and anxieties to achieve a state of ataraxia, or freedom from disturbance, which was considered the highest form of happiness.
2. Epicureans believed that the greatest pleasures were simple, natural, and easily attainable, such as the enjoyment of good food, friendship, and intellectual pursuits.
3. Epicureanism rejected the existence of the gods as active participants in human affairs and the belief in an afterlife, focusing instead on the pursuit of a fulfilling life in the present.
4. Epicureanism promoted a form of ethical hedonism, where the pursuit of pleasure was seen as the highest good, but this was balanced by the need to avoid excessive or harmful pleasures that could lead to pain or suffering.
5. Epicureanism had a significant influence on later philosophical traditions, including Stoicism and Skepticism, and its emphasis on the pursuit of a simple, pleasure-filled life continues to resonate with many people today.

Review Questions

• Explain the central tenets of Epicureanism and how they differ from other classical philosophical traditions.
  • The central tenets of Epicureanism include the pursuit of a simple, pleasure-filled life through the cultivation of ataraxia (freedom from disturbance) and the minimization of desires and anxieties. Epicureans rejected the existence of the gods as active participants in human affairs and the belief in an afterlife, focusing instead on the pursuit of a fulfilling life in the present. This contrasts with other classical philosophical traditions, such as Platonism and Stoicism, which emphasized the importance of virtue, reason, and the pursuit of higher, metaphysical truths.
• Analyze the role of hedonism in Epicurean philosophy and how it was balanced with the need to avoid excessive or harmful pleasures.
  • Epicureanism promoted a form of ethical hedonism, where the pursuit of pleasure was seen as the highest good. However, Epicureans recognized the need to balance this with the avoidance of excessive or harmful pleasures that could lead to pain or suffering. They believed that the greatest pleasures were simple, natural, and easily attainable, such as the enjoyment of good food, friendship, and intellectual pursuits. This emphasis on moderation and the pursuit of a sustainable, fulfilling life distinguishes Epicurean hedonism from more extreme forms of hedonism that prioritize immediate gratification over long-term well-being.
• Evaluate the lasting influence of Epicureanism on Western philosophical thought and its relevance to contemporary discussions of happiness and the good life.
  • Epicureanism has had a significant and lasting influence on Western philosophical thought, particularly in its emphasis on the pursuit of a simple, pleasure-filled life and the cultivation of ataraxia (freedom from disturbance). The Epicurean focus on minimizing desires and anxieties to achieve a state of tranquility and contentment continues to resonate with many people today, as evidenced by the ongoing popularity of philosophical movements that share some of Epicureanism's core principles. Additionally, Epicureanism's rejection of the existence of the gods and the belief in an afterlife, and its focus on the pursuit of a fulfilling life in the present, have influenced later philosophical traditions and continue to shape contemporary discussions of happiness and the good life. While some aspects of Epicureanism may be seen as overly simplistic or hedonistic, its emphasis on moderation, self-sufficiency, and the cultivation of inner peace remains a valuable contribution to the ongoing exploration of what it means to live a truly meaningful and satisfying life.

Related terms

Ataraxia:

A state of serene calmness and freedom from disturbance, which Epicureans believed was the highest form of happiness.

Hedonism:

The belief that pleasure is the highest good and the primary motivation for human behavior, a key tenet of Epicureanism.

Eudaimonia:

The ancient Greek concept of human flourishing and the highest human good, which Epicureans believed could be achieved through the pursuit of pleasure and freedom from disturbance.