Epicureanism
Epicureanism
Epicureanism (/ˌɛpɪkjʊəˈriːənɪzəm/) is a system of philosophy based upon the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, founded around 307 BC.
Etymology
The term "Epicureanism" derives from the name of its founder, Epicurus. The word itself is derived from the Greek word "Epicureos", which means "follower of Epicurus".
Definition
Epicureanism is a philosophy advocating for the pursuit of pleasure - particularly in mental tranquility and limited desires - as the highest good. It posits that the ultimate goal of life should be to minimize pain and fear, leading to a state of tranquility and freedom from fear, termed 'ataraxia'.
Key Concepts
Epicureanism is based on several key concepts, including:
- Ataraxia - A state of serene calmness.
- Aponia - The absence of pain.
- Pleasure - The highest good in Epicurean philosophy.
- Materialism - The belief that the only things that exist are matter and void.
- Empiricism - The belief that sense perception is the ultimate source of all our concepts and knowledge.
Related Terms
- Hedonism - A school of thought that argues seeking pleasure and avoiding suffering are the only components of well-being.
- Stoicism - A philosophy of personal ethics informed by its system of logic and its views on the natural world.
- Atomism - A natural philosophy proposing that the physical world is composed of fundamental indivisible components known as atoms.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Epicureanism
- Wikipedia's article - Epicureanism
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