Epicurus

Question 0

Epicurus’s philosophy

Answer 0

Must understand nature. When we don’t understand nature we believe myths and superstitions. Science is the key to happiness.

Question 1

Background of Epicurus

Answer 1

Reacted to social instability in Athens. Denies absolute standards. Endorses a life of pleasure. Scientific viewpoint

Question 2

Epicurus’s ethics

Answer 2

Have lasting friendships, live simply, maximize peace and harmony. Turn away from superstitions

Question 3

Hedonism

Answer 3

Any position that is desirable in human life is pleasure. Pleasure is the standard to measure how valuable things in our life are

Question 4

Egoistic hedonism

Answer 4

Highest good for a human being is that persons pleasure

Question 5

Epicurus and superstitions

Answer 5

When superstitions are false we can replace them with correct knowledge and it will stop us from feeling pain. Understand the real nature of the world, don’t listen to myths.

Question 6

The soul/ atomism of Democritus

Answer 6

Aka the psych or character made up of fine atoms.

When you die the atoms that make up your body and soul disperse. You no longer exist. It is irrational to fear death

Question 7

The role of God

Answer 7

Believes in science and exploring. Fear of gods destroys tranquility and peace of mind. If the gods ( divine beings) exist then they would not involve themselves with us or bother to punish or praise.

Question 8

Happiness and pleasure

Answer 8

Pleasure is the only good. Pain is evil. If pleasure cause pain later on it is important to understand that and change.

Question 9

Physical pleasures

Answer 9

Always good but do not provide human happiness and can cause pain later on.

Question 10

Enduring pleasures

Answer 10

Fundamental pleasures.

Friends, art, music

Question 11

What causes pleasure ?

Answer 11

We experience pleasure when we obtain what we desire. When we don’t get it we feel pain. We need to separate those that we need and those that we want.

Question 12

Natural desires

Answer 12

Food, sleep, water , shelter, sexual gratification

Will lead to pain if not satisfied

Question 13

Idle imaginings

Answer 13

Desires for luxuries, fashion, impressing people, new car

Question 14

Virtue of prudence. Choosing pleasure wisely

Answer 14

Sound wise judgement.
Pleasures that don’t bring pain are simple, clean, pure and long lasting.
Unhappiness derives from fear.
Eliminate fear and control our desires.

Question 15

Friendship

Answer 15

Friendship is a great blessing. It’s not the fact that you have friends, but knowing they’re there for you

Question 16

What is the good life?

Answer 16

Avoiding superstition, understand natural science, pursue pleasures that are necessary. Have a small group of friends