What is Epicureanism?
Epicureanism is a system of philosophy founded by the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus in the 4th century BCE. Contrary to popular modern interpretations, it is not a philosophy of hedonistic indulgence, but rather a practical guide to achieving a happy and tranquil life through moderate pleasures, intellectual pursuits, and the cultivation of friendships.
Epicurus taught that the ultimate goal of life is happiness, which he defined as a state of ataraxia (freedom from disturbance) and aponia (absence of pain).
At its heart, Epicureanism is a philosophy of living well, by understanding the nature of the universe and our place within it, and by carefully selecting our desires and actions to maximize lasting contentment and minimize suffering.
Core Principles
Epicureanism is built upon several fundamental ideas:
- The pursuit of pleasure: Not sensual excess, but the absence of pain and mental disturbance.
- Prudence: The ability to judge correctly and choose wisely among pleasures.
- Simplicity: Living a life free from unnecessary desires and complications.
- Friendship: Valued as one of the greatest sources of security and happiness.
- Understanding the universe: Through atomism and empiricism, to dispel superstitions and fears.
The Nature of Pleasure
Epicurus distinguished between two main types of pleasure:
- Kinetic pleasures: Pleasures derived from satisfying a desire, such as eating when hungry. These are temporary.
- Katastematic pleasures: The state of satisfaction that results from having no desires or pains. This is the higher form of pleasure, characterized by tranquility and contentment.
Epicurus argued that katastematic pleasures, the absence of pain and fear, are superior and more sustainable than kinetic pleasures, which can often lead to more pain if pursued excessively.
Ataraxia: Tranquility of Mind
The ultimate aim of Epicurean life is ataraxia, a state of profound peace, serenity, and freedom from mental anguish. This is achieved by:
- Understanding that the gods are not involved in human affairs and do not punish or reward us.
- Recognizing that death is the cessation of sensation, and therefore not to be feared.
- Cultivating an understanding of the natural world to dispel superstitious fears.
- Limiting desires to those that are natural and necessary.
Overcoming Fear of Gods
A significant source of human unhappiness, according to Epicurus, is the fear of divine retribution. He argued that the gods, if they exist, are perfect beings who live in a state of bliss and have no need or desire to interfere with the mortal world. They do not punish the wicked or reward the virtuous. Therefore, the fear of gods is irrational and a major obstacle to tranquility.
Overcoming Fear of Death
Another primary fear that plagues humanity is the fear of death. Epicurus famously stated: "Death is nothing to us." He reasoned that when we exist, death is not present, and when death is present, we do not exist. Therefore, death is simply the end of sensation and consciousness, and there is no experience of pain or suffering to be had after death. The fear of it is thus unfounded.
Ethics and Friendship
While Epicureanism is often described as a philosophy of pleasure, it is not a philosophy of amoral selfishness. Virtue, especially prudence and justice, are seen as instrumental to achieving lasting pleasure. Friendship is held in extremely high regard, as it provides security, companionship, and mutual support, contributing significantly to one's happiness and sense of well-being.
Criticisms
Epicureanism has faced numerous criticisms throughout history:
- Misinterpretation: It has often been conflated with vulgar hedonism, implying excessive indulgence.
- Quietism: Some critics argue that its emphasis on withdrawal from public life can lead to a lack of civic engagement.
- Limited scope of pleasure: Critics argue that it understates the value of higher intellectual or aesthetic pleasures that might involve struggle or pain.