Lesson 4 - Epicureanism

Question 1

What was Epicurus’ big idea?

Answer 1

Ethical goodness is a matter of qualitative individual human pleasure.

Question 2

What was Epicurus’ metaphysics?

Answer 2

Atomism - Everything that exists reduces to fundamental parts (e.g. atom), but occasionally the atoms that fall through space will swerve (leaves space for free will)
– This is the earliest expression of indeterminist libertarian freedom

Question 3

What was Epicurus’ epistemology?

Answer 3

Empiricist: all knowledge ultimately comes through the senses, which are trustworthy

Question 4

What was Epicurus’ ethics?

Answer 4

Hedonism: pursue pleasure and avoid pain (goal of life)

– long term pleasure > short-term