final exam - Epicurus

Critically discuss Epicurus' hedonism. Why is his definition of hedonism different

from the standard view - (which he sees as completely unsophisticated)? Which hedonism are you more inclined to agree with and why?

Normal Hedonism - the idea that pleasure is the ultimate goal of human existence

- He believed that true pleasure comes from living a life of simplicity and

moderation, rather than pursuing immediate gratification of desires.

- Epicurus defined pleasure as the absence of pain, both physical and mental.

- Epicurus' view differs from the normal view of hedonism because he sees the

regular view as "unsophisticated" because it fails to distinguish between short-

term pleasures and long-term happiness.

Epicurus states that: "No pleasure is a bad thing in itself." Yet he clearly believes that there is a graduation of pleasures, and some are highly problematic - to say the least. So what does he mean by the statement? Discuss Epicurus' view of pleasures in your response.

He argues that pleasure should be understood in terms of its consequences, rather than being judged as inherently good or bad.

- Natural and Necessary = Food, shelter, companionship

- Unnatural and Unnecessary = excessive drinking, drug use, or indulging in

luxurious and extravagant lifestyles

- He also believed that we shouldn't become attached to the natural and necessary

pleasures though (if we needed to stop eating a certain type of food for our health,

we should do that even though its sacrificing some pleasure of eating that food

- Epicurus believes we should avoid unnecessary and unnatural pleasures because

they lead to long-term suffering

In what way does Epicurus' view regarding sensation contribute to his philosophy of human nature?

He believed that all knowledge and understanding come from the senses, and that sensation is the foundation of human experience.

- Our senses provide us with information about the world around us

- But, our senses can be tricked (optical illusions, etc) so don't count on them too

much

- Epicurus believed heavily that our senses created our understanding of the world,

so our senses dictate how we act and behave as humans

List two (of the three) things Epicurus believes are necessary for "the good life." Do you agree with Epicurus' view? Explain your position.

Pleasure

- Absence of Pain

- "The good life" can only be achieved through the elimination of pain and the

avoidance of desires that lead to pain

Epicurus lists three types of desires: 1) the natural and the necessary 2) the natural and the unnecessary 3) the unnatural and the unnecessary. Critically discuss your agreement or disagreement with his tripartite distinction.

Natural and Necessary: Food, water, shelter

- Natural and Unnecessary: Beauty or Friendship

- Unnatural and Unnecessary: excessive drinking, drug use, or indulging in

luxurious and extravagant lifestyles

Why does Epicurus claim that: "Death is nothing to us"? Do you agree with his position? Why or why not?

Epicurus believes that when we die, we cease to exist, so nothing really happens

- Epicurus believed that death is not something to be feared because it is not an

experience that we will ever have.

- He thought the fear of death was rooted in the fact that we viewed death as a

negative experience when in reality it's not an experience we'll ever have, so

there's no real thing to be afraid of

In Principle Doctrines Epicurus claims: "Infinite time contains no greater pleasure than limited time?" What does he mean by this? Do you agree? Take a position and defend it.

Epicurus believed that quality of life was more important than quantity of life

Why does Epicurus not fear the gods or their wrath? What is your own view of his support? Do you agree or disagree? Take a position.

Epicurus believed that the gods were too preoccupied to care about small human affairs

- He thought because they weren't concerned with human actions, there is nothing to fear about them

Critically discuss Epicurus' claim in Letter to Menoeceus: "It is not possible to live pleasantly without living prudently and honorably and justly." What does he mean by this statement, and do you agree?

By "pleasant life," Epicurus is referring to a life of contentment and peace, free from anxiety, fear, and pain.

- He argues that such a life cannot be achieved through the pursuit of material wealth or external pleasures, but rather through cultivating virtues such as prudence, honor, and justice

After reading both Epictetus and Epicurus, whom do you agree with more about pain? Is pain what human beings need in order to grow and self-overcome? Or is it unnatural for human beings to pursue that which causes pain? Which philosopher do you agree with more, and why?

Epictetus believed that pain is an inevitable part of human life and can be useful for personal growth and development

- Epicurus believed that pain and suffering are unnatural and should be avoided.

- Personally, I agree with Epictetus because I think that pain is inevitable but its

how we respond and use it to learn is what's important