Epicureanism (Epicurus and Lucretius) Flashcards
Pain and pleasure
The only good is pleasure and the only bad is pain
Seek maximum pleasure and minimum pain
Prioritize a simple basic life
The best sort of life
Living in retreat from society with close friends
Avoid thinking about fears/anxiety -> will only bring you pain
Pursue tranquility (ataraxia)
Why the gods don’t matter (though they exist)
Gods exist but are unconcerned with human life
Should only fear other humans that can harm you
Atomism, materialism, non-determinism
Universe is made of atoms bouncing randomly in void
Bodies are made of atoms and the void is emptiness
Soul is a kind of body
Why overindulgence is bad
Leads to anxiety, disturbing tranquility
Natural, simple pleasures are preferable to overindulgence
Why we shouldn’t fear death
Death is a complete non-experience, so it cannot be experience
Irrational fear to something that cannot be suffered
