The Pursuit of Happiness EPICUREANISM The Pursuit of Happiness

From Hellenism to Rome Classical Athens: Rational Humanism Power and stability of democratic city-state Critical assessment of individual & community Individual defined by capacity to reason Aim at good society, good life via reason Hellenistic Society: Cosmopolitanism Political instability, monarchy, cultural expansion Value of individual & community put into question Issues related to alienation, fatalism, and virtue Classical Athens: founded on stability and achievements of city-state Hellenistic Society: founded on the instability of city-state, exposure to E-W cultures and formation of large scale empires

Epicurus (341-270 BCE) Born around 341 B.C.E., seven years after Plato's death, in the Athenian colony of Samos, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Epicurus moved to Athens around 306 B.C.E. and founded the Garden, a combination of philosophical community and school. The residents of the Garden put Epicurus' teachings into practice. Epicurus died from kidney stones around 271 or 270 B.C.E.  After Epicurus' death, Epicureanism continued to flourish as a philosophical movement. Epicureanism went into decline with the rise of Christianity. Epicurus' thought were revived during the Renaissance.

Epicureanism Nothing lasts forever, and we must accept this fact cheerfully. If we are to be happy, it is wiser to recognize that life will consist of things other than pleasure. No one can sustain pleasure over prolonged periods of time. We must, therefore, exert control and enjoy pleasure in moderation. ©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.

The Garden Encouraged withdrawal from political life into communities of like-minded individuals (Gardens in Athens) Pleasure, he said, is the beginning and the end of the blessed life. Right thinking is manifested in living a simple life of affection among friends and in having as few desires as possible.

Body free from pain Pleasure and pain natural and necessary sensations Can reduce pain by avoiding painful things Increase pleasure by pursuing pleasurable things. But, a prudent life (virtuous) tells us not all pleasure is good, nor all pain bad. Moderation in pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain Friendship and other social/intellectual pleasures included. “Moderate Hedonism”

Epicureanism Reconsidered It has been accused of being as firmly rooted in self-interest as the philosophy from which it departs (hedonism). It has been accused of creating people who are more interested in their own peace of mind than in social causes. Perhaps Epicureanism is not a complete philosophy, but it is a way to glimpse a group of people trying to find a peaceful and serene way of life in a rapidly changing world.

Philosophy Comparisons Aim Means Comments Plato A just or well-order soul Each part of the soul doing its part well; reason rules… Knowledge of the good is paramount; wisdom Aristotle Eudaimonia: happiness as a well ordered life as a whole Virtues: character traits that are means between extremes… Hierarchy of goods and necessities of good life; a whole life Epicureanism Eudaimonia: Ataraxia or mind and body free from disturbance Moderate Hedonism: Prudent action and understanding of nature; avoid pain, moderate pleasure Materialism and removal of irrational fear as cause of distrubances Stocisim Ataraxia or pathe: rational constancy in accord with nature Moderate Fatalism: Knowing what is/is not within one’s control; adjusting desires to nature of things. Pantheistic, fatalistic, moral conventionalism, modesty; cosmopolitanism

Letter to Manoeceus What is the best sort of life, according to Epicurus?   What sorts of things should we pursue, and what should we avoid, on his account? Do you find his picture of the good life attractive? Why or why not?

Recap: https://www. youtube. com/watch Recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_47J6sy3A Homework: due October 5