E picurus on pleasure
- The goal of pleasure: freedom from pain in body and mind. The greatest kind of pleasure is that of freedom from pain, both in the body (i.e. ...
- Definitions of pleasure. ...
- Three divisions of pleasure. ...
- The limit of pleasure: the absence of pain. ...
See more
How does Epicurus define pleasure and pain?
For Epicurus, pleasure is nothing but the absence of pain. Pain can further be subdivided into pain of the body and trouble in the soul. This negative description of happiness is surprising at first sight, but is a necessary component of the Epicurean philosophy of happiness.
What does Epicurus mean by pleasure quizlet?
Overall, Epicurus' concept of pleasure is negative, that is, genuine pleasure consists in the elimination of pain, not in sensual stimulation. Our goal is, as Epicurus says, "freedom from trouble in the mind and pain in the body."
What does Epicurus mean by pleasure when he says pleasure should be our aim?
“When we say, then, that pleasure is the end and the aim, we do not mean the pleasures of the prodigal or the pleasures of sensuality, as we are understood to do through ignorance, prejudice, or willful misrepresentation. By pleasure we mean the absence of pain in the body and trouble in the soul.
How important is pleasure for the good life Epicurus?
According to Epicurus, pleasure and pain are to be regarded as the ultimate measures of good and bad. He agrees with his predecessor, Aristotle by highlighting the importance of happiness. Seeking pleasure, and therefore leading a good life, was seen as the sole objective of any individual.
What is the kind of pleasure that Epicurus recommends?
The satisfaction of feeling full, and no longer being in need (hungry), would be a static pleasure. Epicureanism suggests that static pleasures are the preferred form of pleasure. Physical pleasures and pains, he suggested, had to do with the present. Mental pleasures and pains had to do with the past and future.
What did the Epicureans believe about happiness quizlet?
Epicureans believed that happiness was a goal of life and pursuing pleasure was the best way to achieve happiness. However pleasure to Epicureans meant freedom from emotional turmoil and worry, not physical pleasure.
Why does Epicurus warn us against excessive pleasures?
Indeed, Epicurus explicitly warned against overindulgence, because overindulgence so often leads to pain. Epicurus wrote prolifically, but the early Christians thought of him as especially ungodly among the ancient philosophers, and almost none of his works survived their disapprobation.
What are the main points of Epicureanism?
Epicureanism argued that pleasure was the chief good in life. Hence, Epicurus advocated living in such a way as to derive the greatest amount of pleasure possible during one's lifetime, yet doing so moderately in order to avoid the suffering incurred by overindulgence in such pleasure.
How does Epictetus understand happiness?
Stephens shows how, for Epictetus, happiness results from focusing our concern on what is up to us while not worrying about what is beyond our control. He concludes that the strength of Epictetus' thought lies in his conception of happiness as freedom from fear, worry, grief, and dependence upon luck.
What is hedonism or pleasure According to Epicurus?
“[According to Epicurus], you need to stop desiring anything you don't naturally need.” For Epicurus, a hedonistic life is one free from bodily and mental pains. Most people live miserable lives because they're so worried and anxious, and so the key to Epicurean hedonism is eradicating all anxiety.
What is pleasure philosophy?
Hedonism is the philosophy that pleasure is the most important pursuit of mankind, and the only thing that is good for an individual. Hedonists, therefore, strive to maximize their total pleasure (the net of any pleasure less any pain or suffering).
What are the 5 types of pleasure?
The pleasures of sense seem to be as follows: 1. ... The pleasure of intoxication.The pleasures of the organ of smelling.The pleasures of the touch.The simple pleasures of the ear; independent of association.The simple pleasures of the eye; independent of association.The pleasure of the sexual sense.More items...
Who is Epicurus quizlet?
Epicurus version - more enlightened form of hedonism. Epicurus does not recommend a Hollywood lifestyle of pleasures which may lead to addiction, disease and destruction of talent. Such a lifestyle is difficult to maintain and to finance. We should act so as to secure pleasure and avoid pain.
Who said pleasure is the goal that nature has ordained for us?
Epicurus (342-270 BCE), who stated that "pleasure is the goal that nature has ordained for us; it is also the standard by which we judge every- thing good."
What are groundless pleasures?
- Groundless like desire for wealth, honour, power, etc. Based on false belief, don't get you what you are looking for, know no natural limit, impossible to satisfy.
What did the Epicureans argue?
Epicureanism argued that pleasure was the chief good in life. Hence, Epicurus advocated living in such a way as to derive the greatest amount of pleasure possible during one's lifetime, yet doing so moderately in order to avoid the suffering incurred by overindulgence in such pleasure.
What does Epicurus mean by pleasure?
E picurus on pleasure. When Epicurus thinks of pleasure as the end goal of all action he is not necessarily referring to particularly titillating pleasures of the body (e.g. as an epicure would), but the pleasure that supervenes in the removal of pain.
What are the two types of pleasures Epicurus describes?
Definitions of pleasure. Epicurus’ definition of pleasure is twofold, in that there are two kinds of pleasure: (i) kinetic and (ii) katastematic pleasures (104). Kinetic (i.e. “in change”) pleasures are the kind of which one speaks in modern parlance, the pleasures of touch, sight, taste, and sound, which are much intenser ...
What are the three divisions of pleasure?
There are three kinds of desires: (1) natural and necessary (which produce katastematic pleasure ), (2) natural and unnecessary (which produce kinetic pleasures), and.
What remedy did Epicurus prescribe?
The commonsense remedy which Epicurus prescribes is that of complete separation from the object of desire. Lucretius, in this same vein of thought, attempts to alter the false opinions of the lover — by dismantling them, showing them to be untrue or misguided.
What is the goal of pleasure?
The goal of pleasure: freedom from pain in body and mind. The greatest kind of pleasure is that of freedom from pain, both in the body (i.e. aponia) and in the mind (i.e. ataraxia ), and is a kind of katastematic (to be examined momentarily) pleasure, freedom from disturbance (Brown 104).
What is the uppermost part of Eros?
The uppermost part of eros is that of uncontrollable sexual desire, though eros permits of qualities (e.g. strong emotional attachment) which are familiar to a modern audience (111). It can be best described as passion ( pathos in Greek), in modern parlance we would speak of “emotions,” or an affection of the soul which verges on mental illness (111).
What are the natural and necessary desires?
The main necessary and natural desires are those for food, clothing, and shelter; these result in pain or death if left unsatisfied (106). Those desires which are natural and unnecessary are, broadly, sensual desires, such as the desire for gourmet food, or sexual intercourse (106).
What is Epicurus' philosophy?
Epicurus is one philosopher who believed in living a life full of pleasure. According to him, life without harm therefore a life without pain was the definition of living a just life. Without harm, there was no possibility of pain and therefore pleasure is achieved which constituted justice. Injustice is brought about by pain which in his perspective does not bring pleasure. Consequently, a life that focuses on pleasure is a just one since it constitutes doing what is right to avoid pain.
What does Epicurus believe about pain?
Epicurus believes that pain is the beginning of injustice to oneself or society. A life filled with pain does not constitute a just life since there is no pleasure when pain is present. In his perception every human being should be in pursuit of pleasure because no one would love to live in pain.
What did Epicurus advocate for?
Epicurus truly advocated for pleasure which would bring about justice. Avoiding all forms of fear and pain would bring about pleasure thus resulting to justice to self and to society in general. Pursuit of pleasure which was free from any forms of negative consequences was his definition of justice.
What is the meaning of justice in pursuit of pleasure?
While in pursuit of pleasure, justice is achieved since the person would not bring or cause harm either to himself or society. Pain which is brought about by harm is the main source of injustice, pursuing pleasure involved refraining from doing what does not bring pleasure to oneself but ensuring that obtaining utmost personal pleasure would be the true definition of justice.
What is Epicurus' view of pleasure?
For Epicurus, the most pleasant life is one where we abstain from unnecessary desires and achieve an inner tranquility ( a taraxia) by being content with simple things, and by choosing the pleasure of philosophical conversation with friends over the pursuit ...
What is the aim of Epicurus?
The aim is rather the attaining of a neutral state which is best described as “peace of mind” or even “emptiness,” to use a Buddhist expression. The Greek word Epicurus uses for this state is ataraxia, which literally means “freedom from worry.”.
What did Epicurus believe about happiness?
Epicurus And His View On Happiness - An Overview. Epicurus is considered a major figure in the history of science as well as philosophy. He argued that we should only proportion belief to empirical evidence and logic, and he propounded the scientific view of atomism, according to which all facts in the macroscopic world are caused by ...
What does Epicurus say about wisdom?
In keeping with this sentiment, Epicurus disparages the “crass hedonism” which emphasizes physical pleasure, and instead claims that the philosophical pursuit of wisdom with close friends is the greatest of pleasures;
What did Epicurus write in his letter to Idomeneus?
As he writes in his Letter to Idomeneus: I have written this letter to you on a happy day to me, which is also the last day of my life. For I have been attacked by a painful inability to urinate, and also dysentery, ...
What is the greatest secret to happiness?
Epicurus anticipates this with his claim that the greatest secret to happiness is to be as independent of external things as possible.
What is the meaning of Epicurus' letter to Menoeceus?
He begins with a claim familiar from Plato and Aristotle: that we all desire happiness as an end in itself, and all other things are desired as a means for producing happiness. But what is happiness? Epicurus gives a straightforward definition, influenced by Aristippus, a disciple of Socrates and founder of the Cyrenaic school of philosophy:
What is the meaning of pleasure in Epicurus?
For Epicurus, pleasure is nothing but the absence of pain. Pain can further be subdivided into pain of the body and trouble in the soul. This negative description of happiness is surprising at first sight, but is a necessary component of the Epicurean philosophy of happiness.
What does Epicurus call pleasure?
What Epicurus calls pleasure is just the absence of pain. If we can reach a state of mind where all pain is totally absent, then we call state ‘happiness’.
What is Epicurus's belief?
Epicurus believed that the most reliable way to be happy is to reduce one’s desires until it’s easy to satisfy them. He distinguishes three types of desires: natural and necessary, natural and unnecessary and vain. And, of course, the biggest such cause of pain is fear.
What does Epicurus mean by pain?
Note that here Epicurus does not refer only to bodily pain, like a tooth-ache or such. “Pain” for him is every sensation that is negative, and that distracts us from being at peace. This can be a tooth-ache, but it can also just be hunger, thirst, the feeling of being tired. It can also mean anxiety: if I am afraid of losing my job, for instance, or afraid of a medical examination that is going to take place tomorrow. These are all causes of “pain.”
When pleasure is present, so long as it is uninterrupted, there is no pain either of body or of mind or of?
When pleasure is present, so long as it is uninterrupted, there is no pain either of body or of mind or of both together. – Epicurus, Principal Doctrines, #3 (transl. Hicks)
Does pleasure increase when pain is removed?
Pleasure in the body admits no increase when once the pain of want has been removed; after that it only admits of variation. (Principal Doctrines, transl. Hicks, #18).
How does Epicurus explain perception?
Epicurus explains perception in terms of the interaction of atoms with the sense-organs. Objects continually throw off one-atom-thick layers, like the skin peeling off of an onion. These images, or “eidola,” fly through the air and bang into one’s eyes, from which one learns about the properties of the objects that threw off these eidola. This explains vision. Other senses are analyzed in similar terms; e.g., the soothing action of smooth atoms on the tongue causes the sensation of sweetness. As noted above, Epicurus maintains that such sensible qualities are real qualities of bodies.
What did Epicurus teach?
Epicurus developed an unsparingly materialistic metaphysics, empiricist epistemology, and hedonistic ethics. Epicurus taught that the basic constituents of the world are atoms, uncuttable bits of matter, flying through empty space, and he tried to explain all natural phenomena in atomic terms. Epicurus rejected the existence of Platonic forms and an immaterial soul, and he said that the gods have no influence on our lives. Epicurus also thought skepticism was untenable, and that we could gain knowledge of the world relying upon the senses. He taught that the point of all one’s actions was to attain pleasure (conceived of as tranquility) for oneself, and that this could be done by limiting one’s desires and by banishing the fear of the gods and of death. Epicurus’ gospel of freedom from fear proved to be quite popular, and communities of Epicureans flourished for centuries after his death.
How did Epicurus die?
Epicurus died from kidney stones around 271 or 270 B.C.E. After Epicurus’ death, Epicureanism continued to flourish as a philosophical movement. Communities of Epicureans sprang up throughout the Hellenistic world; along with Stoicism, it was one of the major philosophical schools competing for people’s allegiances.
Why does Epicurus believe that nothing comes into existence from nothing?
Because Epicurus believes that nothing comes into existence from nothing, he thinks that the universe has no beginning, but has always existed, and will always exist. Atoms, too, as the basic building blocks of all else, cannot come into existence, but have always existed.
Where did Epicurus grow up?
Epicurus was born around 341 B.C.E., seven years after Plato’s death, and grew up in the Athenian colony of Samos, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. He was about 19 when Aristotle died, and he studied philosophy under followers of Democritus and Plato. Epicurus founded his first philosophical schools in Mytilene and Lampsacus, before moving to Athens around 306 B.C.E. There Epicurus 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.
What are the three letters Epicurus wrote?
These three letters are brief summaries of major areas of Epicurus’ philosophy: the Letter to Herodotus, which summarizes his metaphysics, the Letter to Pythocles, which gives atomic explanations for meteorological phenomena, and the Letter to Menoeceus, which summarizes his ethics.
Who is Epicurus following?
Up to this point, Epicurus is largely following the thought of Democritus, a pre-Socratic philosopher and one of the inventors of atomism . However, he modifies Democritus’ atomism in at least three important ways.
What does Epicurus teach about pain?
According to Epicurus, reason teaches that pleasure is good and pain bad, and that pleasure and pain are the ultimate measures of good and bad. This has often been misconstrued as a call for rampant hedonism, rather than the absence of pain and tranquillity of mind that Epicurus actually had in mind. Indeed, Epicurus explicitly warned ...
What did Epicurus believe about the gods?
Epicurus held that the gods exist, but have absolutely no concern for, or even awareness of , humankind. Indeed, for the gods to involve themselves in the menial matters of men would be to perturb the supreme happiness and tranquillity that characterizes and defines them. Instead of fearing the gods, human beings should seek to emulate them in their ...
Why did Epicurus warn against overindulgence?
Indeed, Epicurus explicitly warned against overindulgence, because overindulgence so often leads to pain. On the divine. Epicurus wrote prolifically, but the early Christians thought of him as especially ungodly among the ancient philosophers, and almost none of his works survived their disapprobation.
Why are static pleasures better than moving pleasures?
Static pleasures, says Epicurus, are better than moving pleasures because they free us from the pain of need or want. Epicurus also distinguishes between physical and mental pleasures and pains, and argues that anxiety about the future, especially fear of the gods and fear of death, are the greatest obstructions to happiness.
How did Epicurus die?
Epicurus himself died at the age of 72 from renal colic (kidney stones), which is associated with one of the sharpest and most intense of all bodily pains. On the last day of his life, he penned this remarkable letter to his friend and follower Idomeneus, which is nothing if not a testament to the overriding powers of philosophy.
Why can't a free life acquire many possessions?
3. A free life cannot acquire many possessions, because this is not easy to do without servility to mobs or monarchs.
Is Epicurus a transquillist?
Given the prime importance that he attaches to the avoidance of pain, the elimination of desire, and peace of mind, Epicurus is far more of a ‘tranquillist’ than a hedonist. ‘If thou wilt make a man happy’, he says, ‘add not unto his riches but take away from his desires.’
