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Questions and Answers
According to Epicurean philosophy, what role do the gods play in human affairs?
According to Epicurean philosophy, what role do the gods play in human affairs?
- They actively intervene to reward the virtuous and punish the wicked.
- They are the primary source of moral guidance and inspiration for humanity.
- They created the universe and continue to guide its development.
- They exist but do not concern themselves with the mundane aspects of human lives. (correct)
Epicurus advocated for an empiricist theory of knowledge. What is the basis of this theory?
Epicurus advocated for an empiricist theory of knowledge. What is the basis of this theory?
- The five senses are the primary means through which humans acquire knowledge of the world. (correct)
- Knowledge is primarily derived from divine revelation and spiritual insights.
- Knowledge is constructed through social interactions and cultural norms.
- Innate ideas and reasoning are the most reliable sources of knowledge.
How does Epicurus describe the composition of the soul?
How does Epicurus describe the composition of the soul?
- The soul is composed of material atoms that disperse upon death. (correct)
- The soul is a complex system of energy that sustains life.
- The soul is an immaterial and immortal entity distinct from the body.
- The soul is a reflection of the divine within each individual.
In Epicureanism, what does 'ethos' refer to?
In Epicureanism, what does 'ethos' refer to?
Why does Epicurus consider himself a hedonist?
Why does Epicurus consider himself a hedonist?
In the context of pursuing pleasure, what is 'prudence' according to Epicurus?
In the context of pursuing pleasure, what is 'prudence' according to Epicurus?
According to Epicurus, what are 'moving pleasures'?
According to Epicurus, what are 'moving pleasures'?
Epicurus contrasts 'moving pleasures' with 'static pleasures.' Which of the following exemplifies a 'static pleasure' in his philosophy?
Epicurus contrasts 'moving pleasures' with 'static pleasures.' Which of the following exemplifies a 'static pleasure' in his philosophy?
According to Epicurus, how should one approach the concept of death?
According to Epicurus, how should one approach the concept of death?
What, according to Epicurus, forms the surest basis for a happy life?
What, according to Epicurus, forms the surest basis for a happy life?
Flashcards
Who was Epicurus?
Who was Epicurus?
Ancient Greek philosopher who founded Epicureanism, which emphasizes a life of pleasure and tranquility achieved through reason and virtue.
Epicurean Theology
Epicurean Theology
The belief that gods exist but do not interfere with human affairs.
Empiricist Theory of Knowledge
Empiricist Theory of Knowledge
The theory that knowledge comes from sensory experience.
Atomistic Theory of Reality
Atomistic Theory of Reality
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Epicurean Concept of the Soul
Epicurean Concept of the Soul
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What does 'Ethos' mean?
What does 'Ethos' mean?
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Epicureanism as an Ethos
Epicureanism as an Ethos
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Prudence
Prudence
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Moving Pleasures
Moving Pleasures
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Static Pleasures
Static Pleasures
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Study Notes
- Epicurus (341–270 B.C.E.) was an ancient Greek philosopher and founder of Epicureanism
Epicureanism's General Philosophy
- It includes a theology where gods exist but do not concern themselves with human affairs
- It has an empiricist theory of knowledge where everything humans know is learned through the five senses
- As well as an atomistic theory where reality is composed of atoms and void.
Epicurean Concept of the Soul
- The soul is composed of material atoms, like everything else, but "soul atoms" are especially tiny and distributed throughout the body
- Upon death, these atoms disperse, leaving only the atoms that compose an inert body
- Epicurus was a "materialist," believing all things are composed of indivisible material atoms, and denies the existence of an immaterial soul or spirit
Epicureanism As An "Ethos"
- "Ethos" means "custom" or "character" in Greek
- Epicureanism advocates moral beliefs and life ways that enable those who adhere to them to live a good life
- Epicurus' Letter to Menoeceus advises a student on how to live the best life possible
- Epicureanism aims to identify what to choose and avoid to lead happy lives; a life of happiness
Epicurean Conception of Happiness
- Epicurus was a "hedonist," believing pleasure to be morally good and pain to be morally evil, equating a happy life with a pleasant one
The Prudent Pursuit of Pleasure
- Epicureans make rational distinctions among pleasures, pursuing some and avoiding others, and the one who does this well has the virtue of prudence
- "Moving pleasures" actively stimulate appetites but produce pain when withdrawn, such as eating and sex
- Epicurus was dubious about the value of sex and marriage
- "Static pleasures" are enjoyable both in the pursuit and the getting, like Platonic friendship, study, and learning
How to Live Happily
- Believe in, but do not fear God: believe that god is a being immortal and blessed
- Acknowledge mortality, but do not fear death; death is deprivation of sensation
- Death should not be feared because as long as we exist, death is not with us, and when death comes, we do not exist.
- The happy person is satisfied by simple pleasures that are easy to acquire, like friendship, community, study, and freedom from extreme poverty
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