Epicurus: Life and Philosophy
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Questions and Answers

What significant philosophical community did Epicurus establish in Athens?

  • The Lyceum
  • The Academy
  • The Stoa
  • The Garden (correct)

Which of the following writings of Epicurus are most notably preserved in later texts?

  • The Republic
  • The Enchiridion
  • The Principal Doctrines (correct)
  • The Nicomachean Ethics

What major factor contributed to the decline of Epicureanism as a philosophical movement?

  • The rise of Christianity (correct)
  • Suppression of pagan philosophies
  • Rise of Stoicism
  • Increasing interest in Epicurean writings

Which philosopher’s writings have helped reconstruct Epicurus' thought despite the lack of his original works?

<p>Lucretius (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Epicurus view the relationship between philosophy and community living?

<p>Philosophy is best lived and practiced in a community. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which historical context did Epicureanism begin to flourish as a major philosophical movement?

<p>The Hellenistic period (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects the legacy of Epicurus's writings?

<p>Most of Epicurus's original works are lost but referenced by others. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Epicurus's philosophy is primarily summarized in the Letter to Menoeceus?

<p>Ethics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Epicurus believe is a consequence of becoming dependent on luxury foods?

<p>It ultimately results in unhappiness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Epicurus define justice?

<p>As an agreement not to harm others. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Epicurus consider instrumental goods?

<p>Goods that provide happiness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do virtues play in Epicurean philosophy?

<p>They are useful for achieving happiness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Epicurus believe philosophy can do?

<p>Dispense fear of death. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Epicurus' view differ from that of Aristotle regarding happiness?

<p>Aristotle identifies happiness with virtuous activity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of physical pleasures and pains?

<p>They only relate to the present. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose behind forming communities according to Epicurus?

<p>To gain protection from dangers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Epicurus consider the greatest destroyer of happiness?

<p>Anxiety about the future (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of reducing desires, according to Epicurus?

<p>It fosters tranquility and happiness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of desire does Epicurus advocate for satisfying?

<p>Natural and necessary desires (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Epicurus assert about the basic constituents of the world?

<p>They are atoms that move through empty space. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy does Epicurus mostly recommend regarding desires?

<p>Minimizing and fulfilling core desires (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT classified as a natural and necessary desire by Epicurus?

<p>Desire for fame (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Epicurus' view on the influence of gods in human lives?

<p>Gods have no influence on our lives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Epicurus, what is the ultimate goal of one's actions?

<p>The achievement of pleasure and tranquility. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of 'vain and empty' desires according to Epicurus?

<p>They have no natural limit and are difficult to satisfy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Epicurus's view of pleasure differ from a hedonistic perspective?

<p>His focus is on achieving tranquility instead of indulgence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Epicurus view skepticism?

<p>As untenable and impractical. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following did Epicurus reject in his philosophy?

<p>The existence of Platonic forms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of mental pleasures and pains compared to physical ones?

<p>They encompass the past, present, and future. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method did Epicurus advocate for gaining knowledge of the world?

<p>Through empirical observation and sensory experience. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of pleasure did Epicurus emphasize in his ethical teachings?

<p>The value of achieving tranquility through limited desires. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the central ideas within Epicurus’ ethical framework?

<p>Certain physical pleasures should be avoided. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Epicurus suggest is the main reason for individuals not to act unjustly?

<p>The punishment by law if caught. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Epicurus, what is the significance of justice in society?

<p>It exists to secure the utility for the members of society. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Epicurus view the laws of a society in relation to justice?

<p>Only useful laws are considered just. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of law would Epicurus likely consider unjust?

<p>Antimiscegenation laws. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of friendship does Epicurus highlight as crucial for its establishment?

<p>Mutual trust and respect. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Epicurus indicate can lead to a solitary and perilous life?

<p>Absence of significant relationships. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Epicurus's belief regarding the existence of the universe?

<p>The universe has always existed and will always exist. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Epicurus describe the nature of friendship?

<p>One of the greatest means of attaining pleasure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fear does Epicurus aim to counteract through his philosophy?

<p>Fear of death. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Epicurus differ from Aristotle regarding the size of the universe?

<p>He asserts the universe is unlimited in size. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Epicurus assert about atoms?

<p>Atoms have always existed and cannot come into existence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which property of atoms does Epicurus believe that Democritus did not emphasize?

<p>Weight (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the natural motion of atoms according to Epicurus?

<p>Downward. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Epicurus, what is necessary for the infinite number of atoms to move?

<p>A limitless amount of void. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Epicurus's view on atomic motion address Aristotle's critique of Democritus?

<p>By explaining that atoms possess natural downward motion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the cosmoi according to Epicurus?

<p>They are temporary arrangements of atoms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Epicurean Metaphysics

The Epicurean view of reality, emphasizing atoms and void as the fundamental constituents, and rejecting immaterial souls and divine intervention.

Hellenistic Period

The three centuries after Alexander the Great's death, a time of intellectual and cultural flourishing in ancient Greece.

Epicurus' Life

Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who lived from approximately 341 BCE to 270 BCE. He founded a philosophical school called the Garden.

Epicureanism

A philosophical school of thought that emphasized pleasure and happiness as the ultimate goals of life, while also discouraging unnecessary desires.

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Atomic Theory (Epicurus)

Epicurus's belief that the universe is composed of indivisible, constantly moving particles (atoms) in empty space.

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Principal Doctrines

A set of 40 sayings by Epicurus, mainly focusing on ethical matters.

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Epicurean Hedonism

The pursuit of pleasure (tranquility) as the ultimate goal, achieved by minimizing desires and fears (like death and gods).

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Absence of Epicurus' Writings

There are minimal original works by Epicurus that survive; instead, major sources include interpretations by later followers and others.

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Empiricism (in Epicureanism)

The Epicurean acceptance that knowledge derives primarily from sensory experience, not divine revelation or innate ideas.

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Epicurus's View of Gods

Epicurus believed the gods existed, but they were indifferent to human affairs and did not intervene in human lives.

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Letter to Herodotus

A letter by Epicurus that summarizes his metaphysics.

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Letter to Pythocles

A letter by Epicurus explaining atmospheric and weather phenomena, using atomic explanations.

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Skepticism (Epicurus's view)

Epicurus believed that skepticism is not a valid philosophical stance; true knowledge is attainable through the senses.

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Letter to Menoeceus

Epicurus' summary of his ethical views.

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Atom (in Epicurus's philosophy)

An indivisible particle of matter.

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Loss of Epicurus' Works

Christian authorities likely destroyed many texts by Epicurus.

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Unlimited Universe

The universe is boundless in size, with no discernible edges that could act as limits.

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Infinite Atoms

There are an infinite number of atoms, the fundamental building blocks of the universe.

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Unlimited Void

To accommodate the infinite atoms' movement, there must be an infinite empty space.

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Atomic Weight

Atoms, according to Epicurus, have inherent weight, which influences their motion.

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Natural Atomic Motion

Atoms have a natural tendency to move downward. This motion exists even without past collisions.

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Epicurean Atomism

Epicurus' version of atomism, which builds upon Democritus' ideas but adds weight as an atomic property.

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No Beginning or End

The universe, according to Epicurus, has always existed and will always exist.

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Temporary Cosmoi

Individual universes form, persist for a time, and then dissolve.

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Luxury Food Desire

Wanting specific types of food, unnecessary for survival.

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Epicurus' Ascetic Life

Epicurus, despite liking pleasure, advocated a simple lifestyle.

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Epicurus' Happiness

Achieved by minimizing desires and anxieties, promoting tranquility.

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Instrumental Goods

Valuable only for achieving happiness.

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Epicurus' Virtues

Instrumental to happiness, part of prudence.

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Contractarian Justice

Justice as an agreement to avoid harm, essential for social life.

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Justice in Communities

Based on agreements within a community to avoid harm.

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Epicurus' View of Justice

Justice is useful for social associations, based on mutual agreements.

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Mental Pleasures/Pains

Mental pleasures and pains involve the past (memories) and future (expectations), unlike physical ones which are only about the present.

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Anxiety's Effect

Epicurus saw fear about the future, especially of the gods and death, as the biggest threat to happiness.

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Natural & Necessary Desires

These are basic needs like food and shelter; they're easy to satisfy and hard to eliminate.

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Vain Desires

These desires, like for wealth or power, have no natural limit; they're usually not truly fulfilling.

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Desire Fulfillment Strategies

Epicurus suggested two options: fulfilling desires or eliminating them, often aiming for the latter (less desires).

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Tranquility (Ataraxia)

The ultimate goal in Epicureanism; a state of peace and freedom from fear and anxiety.

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Types of Desires

Epicurus categorized desires into natural and necessary, natural but unnecessary, and vain and empty, each with different levels of importance for happiness.

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Epicurus' View of Pleasure

Epicurus believed pleasure involves more than just physical sensations, but also tranquility, a calm mind free of worry and fear.

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Epicurus' Justice

Justice is valuable because it benefits society and individuals. Punishment deters unjust actions, primarily for those who wouldn't otherwise follow rules.

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Just Laws

Laws that benefit society and the individuals within it are just. Laws that are not useful are not just.

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Epicurean Friendship

Friendship is a key source of pleasure and security for Epicurus. It requires trust and mutual respect.

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Fear of Death

Epicurus aimed to combat the fear of death, arguing that once we are dead and have no awareness, the fear is unnecessary.

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Epicurus' view on Gods

Epicurus believed in the existence of gods, but they were uninterested in or did not interfere with human affairs.

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Atomic Theory

The belief that all matter is made of indivisible particles called atoms that move in an empty space.

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Epicurean Hedonism

The pursuit of pleasure and freedom from pain as the ultimate goal, achieved by understanding and managing desires.

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Variable Justice

What is considered just can change based on different societal needs and situations.

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Study Notes

Epicurus (341-271 B.C.E.)

  • Epicurus was a major Hellenistic philosopher
  • He lived in the three centuries after Alexander the Great's death (323 BCE)
  • Developed a materialistic metaphysics, empiricist epistemology, and hedonistic ethics
  • Believed the basic constituents of the world are atoms (uncuttable matter) moving in empty space (the void)
  • Rejected Platonic forms and an immaterial soul
  • Believed the gods had no influence on human lives
  • Thought skepticism was untenable and that knowledge comes from our senses
  • Taught that the goal of life is pleasure (tranquility) achieved by limiting desires and avoiding fear of gods and death
  • Communities of Epicureans flourished for centuries after his death

Table of Contents

  • Life: Epicurus' birth, schooling, and foundation of the Garden (philosophical community and school) in Athens
  • Sources: Epicurus' writings were lost, so we rely on other writers like Lucretius, Cicero, and Plutarch
  • Metaphysics: Arguments for the existence of atoms and void, properties of atoms, differences from Democritus, mechanistic explanations of phenomena, the gods, philosophy of mind, perception
  • Epistemology: The Canon (sensations, preconceptions, and feelings), anti-skeptical arguments
  • Ethics: Hedonism (psychological and ethical), types of pleasure and desire, the virtues, justice, friendship, and death (no subject of harm argument, symmetry argument)
  • References and Further Reading: Includes collections of primary source writings and recent books on Epicurus' philosophy

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Epicurus (341-271 BCE) PDF

Description

Explore the life and ideas of Epicurus, a significant Hellenistic philosopher. This quiz examines his materialistic views, beliefs about pleasure, and influence on later philosophical thought. Understand how his teachings shaped communities and discourse in the centuries following his death.

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