Epicureanism: life, metaphysics, ethics, epicureanism vs stoicism

 Epicureanism

Life

Metaphysics

Ethics

Epicureanism vs stoicism

Also known as the philosophy of happiness, Epicureanism is the system of philosophy formed by the Greek philosopher Epicurus in 307 BCE. It holds the belief that the best life is one of long term pleasure that results from moderation. Nowadays, epicureanism has often been misunderstood because people tend to confuse it with extreme hedonism.

Life

Epicurus was born in 341 BCE, seven years after Plato s death, and grew up in the Athenian colony of Samos, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. He studied philosophy from the students of Democritus and Plato. He formed a community called the Garden, for his followers to practice and flourish. The garden was a large walled area called Kepos. He welcomed people of all statuses, to his school, which was uncommon during that time. Not much is known about his life, but he lived simply. He died from kidney stones around 270 or 271 BCE.

Metaphysics

It means what is beyond the physical world. It was first used by Aristotle. It is the branch of philosophy that deals with the idea of existence, life purpose, and abstract concepts such as time and space. Metaphysics explains the physical world with logic.

Epicurus gave a metaphysical theory, believing that the  universe is made up of tiny atoms, so the properties shown by these micro-particles are the same as those found in macro-particle like humans. He further mentioned two points 1- We see that there are bodies in motion and 2- Nothing comes into existence from what does not exist.

1- The first point suggests that, atoms are in motion and to move, they require empty space known as the void 

2-This is an agreement with ancient Greek philosophy which says that for everything that exists, must be a reason, for why it occurs and in this way.

Ethics

Epicureanism ethics describe happiness as the main purpose of life. Philosophers of his times, were focusing on what was good or a virtue but he spent , his life explaining what was the source of true joy and pleasure. His theory may answer modern problems like materialism, capitalism or runaway consumerism. It is often confused with extreme hedonism, but it is completely opposite of what he proposed.

He believed pleasure was the main source of happiness and his entire philosophy explained the nature of pleasure. According to him, moderation was the key and restraining from it would not provide any joy. He said," Pleasure is the first good. It is the beginning of every aversion. It is the absence of pain in the body and trouble, in the soul". This has been widely misunderstood. People think overindulgence and running after desires was what he meant but he warned that short term pleasure and superficial high , may provide happiness, but have painful consequences later on. He further cautioned that these desires can cause anxiety and depression.

Above image shows the hierarchy of desires mentioned by Epicurus 

1- Natural and necessary desires

2- Natural and non-necessary desires.

3- Vain desires.

 

1- These are the necessities and basics of living, for the body to function like clean water, a well- nourished and complete diet, a space we call home. He emphasized attaining, these desires giving us happiness and comfort.

2- Natural and unnecessary desires are those, that enhance the quality of life. such as gourmet food, luxurious clothing, or sex. These can't be eliminated completely, from our lives, but one should  avoid them and lead a simple life by cultivating gratitude. These desires can cause us anxiety and depression.

3- Vain desires are most dangerous desires. We should avoid them completely. These are source of  shallow joy such as power, wealth, fame. These are very addictive causing a  hangover, pain and suffering later on. One can't have enough of these to satisfy themselves. He also called them materialism and limitless.

Epicureanism vs stoicism

Politics and Religion

Stoicism emphasizes social connection, involvement in politics and fulfilling your duty as a citizen. Epicureanism says you don't have to worry about politics as it can make you unhappy. He only regarded friendship as a true source of happiness.

The stoics believe in a God named Zeus as the early stoics were Greek. They refused the stance of Epicureanism of seeing God as a projection of humans.They believe in the existence of God and his involvement in the creation of this universe. Epicureans said God has no influence on our life, early critics saw  that as a thin-smoke screen to hide the Epicurus atheism 

Virtue

Stoics place virtue over pleasure and see it as the main purpose of life. Those virtues are wisdom, justice, fortitude and temperance. The pursuit of virtues provides us happiness. They see pleasure as unnatural, addictive which can disturb the balance of human life.

On the other hand, Epicurean' belief is quite opposite, epicurean were the first school of thought studying happiness and believed pleasure with moderation in absence of pain provided us happiness. The pursuit of virtues alone can't provide joy to humans. Virtues alone as the goal of life is vain and empty.

Emotions

Stoics follow a strict life pattern full of control of emotion, not showing it openly and attaining moderation. This leads to suppression of emotion. Epicureans said a wise person feels emotion deeply and will not hinder it. People can express their emotion according to their need.

Death

Stoicism believes in an afterlife. There are certain humans preferred by God which have done good deeds in their life, they will be sent to heaven and those with sinful deeds will be sent to hell but Epicurus saw death as the end of human life, there was no concept of afterlife. Our body will annihilate; there is no notion of reward and punishment.