Epicurus

Definition

Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher who founded the school of philosophy known as Epicureanism, which emphasized the pursuit of happiness through the enjoyment of simple pleasures and the avoidance of pain. His teachings were significantly influenced by earlier philosophers, including Aristotle, and they shaped Hellenistic thought by promoting a materialistic worldview where pleasure and friendship were central to a good life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Epicurus lived from 341 to 270 BCE and established his school in Athens, where he taught his philosophy to a community of followers known as the Garden.
2. His philosophy placed a strong emphasis on friendship as one of the greatest sources of happiness, viewing it as essential for a fulfilling life.
3. Epicurus rejected the fear of gods and death, asserting that understanding nature could alleviate these fears and lead to a tranquil life.
4. He believed in pursuing simple pleasures—such as good food, companionship, and intellectual engagement—over extravagant desires that can lead to pain or dissatisfaction.
5. Epicurus’ works primarily survive through later interpretations and summaries by followers like Lucretius, who helped spread his ideas throughout Roman culture.

Review Questions

• How did Epicurus' philosophy reflect Aristotle's influence while also diverging from his teachings?
  • Epicurus was influenced by Aristotle’s emphasis on achieving happiness, but he diverged by prioritizing pleasure as the highest good rather than virtue. While Aristotle proposed that true happiness comes from living a virtuous life through rational activity, Epicurus shifted the focus towards immediate sensory experiences and emotional well-being. This contrast reflects the evolution of thought during the Hellenistic period, where personal happiness became more central in philosophical discussions.
• Evaluate the role of friendship in Epicureanism compared to its role in Aristotelian ethics.
  • In Epicureanism, friendship is considered one of the highest forms of pleasure and an essential component for achieving happiness. Epicurus believed that relationships based on mutual respect and shared pleasures provide deep satisfaction and support a tranquil life. In contrast, while Aristotle also valued friendship, he emphasized it as part of living virtuously and fulfilling one's potential. Thus, for Epicurus, friendship serves primarily to enhance personal happiness, while for Aristotle, it contributes to moral development.
• Assess how Epicurus' rejection of fear regarding gods and death represented a significant shift in philosophical thought during the Hellenistic period.
  • Epicurus’ rejection of fear concerning gods and death marked a transformative moment in Hellenistic philosophy by challenging traditional religious views that often dominated moral thought. By arguing that understanding the natural world could dispel these fears, he shifted focus towards individual experience and rationality in achieving tranquility. This approach allowed individuals to seek happiness without the constraints imposed by religious anxieties, paving the way for later philosophical movements that prioritized human agency and personal fulfillment over divine intervention or fate.

Related terms

Pleasure Principle: The idea that pleasure is the highest good and primary motivator of human behavior, central to Epicurean philosophy.

Ataraxia: A state of serene calmness and freedom from emotional disturbance, which Epicurus taught could be achieved through the pursuit of modest pleasures.

Materialism:

The belief that only physical matter exists and that everything, including thoughts and emotions, can be explained in terms of material interactions, which is a foundation in Epicurean thought.