Epicureanism
Epicureanism is a system of philosophy founded in 307 BCE and based upon the teachings of Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher. Epicurus was an atomist and materialist, following in the steps of Democritus. His materialism led him to religious skepticism and a general attack on superstition and divine intervention. Epicureanism was originally a challenge to Platonism, and its main opponent later became Stoicism. It is a form of hedonism insofar as it declares pleasure to be its sole intrinsic goal. However, the concept that the absence of pain and fear constitutes the greatest pleasure, and its advocacy of a simple life, make it very different from hedonism as colloquially understood.
Following the Cyrenaic philosopher Aristippus, Epicurus believed that the greatest good was to seek modest, sustainable pleasure in the form of a state of ataraxia (tranquility and freedom from fear) and aponia (the absence of bodily pain) through knowledge of the workings of the world and limiting desires. Correspondingly, Epicurus and his followers generally withdrew from politics because it could lead to frustrations and ambitions that would conflict with their pursuit of virtue and peace of mind.
Few writings by Epicurus have survived. Diogenes Laertius has preserved three instructional letters attributed to Epicurus, as well as a list of the Principal Doctrines of Epicureanism. The letters to Herodotus and to Menoeceus are generally accepted as authentic works written by Epicurus himself. However, the letter addressed to Pythocles is often considered to be a compilation by one of his students, likely based on Epicurus’ original writings. There are also independent attestations of his ideas from his later disciples. The epic poem De rerum natura (Latin for “On the Nature of Things”) by Lucretius presents the core arguments and theories of Epicureanism in one unified work. Many Epicurean texts have also been found on scrolls unearthed at the Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum, mostly works written by the Epicurean philosopher Philodemus or his teacher Zeno of Sidon, along with fragments of works by Epicurus himself. Diogenes of Oenoanda, a wealthy Epicurean in the 2nd century CE, had a portico wall inscribed with tenets of the philosophy erected in Oenoanda, Lycia (present-day Turkey).
Epicureanism flourished in the Late Hellenistic period and during the Roman era, and many Epicurean communities were established in places such as Antioch, Alexandria, Rhodes, and Herculaneum. By the late 3rd century CE, Epicureanism had all but died out, being opposed by other philosophies (mainly Neoplatonism) that were then in the ascent. Interest in Epicureanism was resurrected in the Age of Enlightenment and continues in the modern era.
Epicurean philosophy is a Hellenistic school of thought that aims to achieve a happy and tranquil life, primarily by maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain. However, “pleasure” in this context is not about unrestrained indulgence, but rather the absence of suffering and inner peace, known as ataraxia. The philosophy emphasizes living moderately, fulfilling simple and natural needs, and finding joy in friendship and philosophical contemplation, while avoiding fears and unnecessary desires.
Core tenets of Epicureanism
- Pleasure as the highest good: The ultimate goal is pleasure, but this is defined as a state of ataraxia (tranquility) and aponia (absence of pain). It focuses on “static” pleasures, the state of being free from disturbance, over “kinetic” pleasures, the fleeting excitement of satisfying a desire.
- Prudence and moderation: Epicureans use “sober calculation” to distinguish between desires that are natural and necessary (like food and shelter) and those that are unnatural and empty (like fame or excessive wealth). They advocate for limiting desires to avoid the frustration of never having enough.
- Friendship: Friendship is considered one of the greatest sources of pleasure and security. An intimate life with friends provides support, meaning, and joy that outweighs the pleasure of public life.
- Freedom from fear: A major goal is to overcome fear, particularly the fear of the gods and death.
- Fear of gods: Epicurus argued the gods are perfect beings who are too blessed to concern themselves with human affairs, so there is no need to fear their wrath.
- Fear of death: Death is not to be feared because when we are alive, death is not present, and when death is present, we are not alive. Death is the cessation of sensation and is irrelevant to the living.
- Living a simple life: True happiness comes from appreciating simple pleasures and a life lived with friends, not from luxury, power, or status. A simple meal can be as pleasurable as a feast if it satisfies a true need.
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-seek-out-and-savour-lifes-joys-like-an-epicurean
[2] https://different-level.com/epicurean-philosophy-and-way-of-life/
[7] https://iep.utm.edu/epicur/
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/philosophy/comments/1c1jspk/a_guide_for_modern_day_epicureans/
[10] https://www.thecollector.com/epicurus-philosopher-pleasure-moral-imperative/