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Epicureanism: Pursuit of Pleasure

Epicurus believed that pleasure is the highest good and the purpose of life is to attain lasting pleasure and avoid pain. He argued that the greatest pleasures are simple and intellectual rather than intense physical pleasures. Epicureans believed one should pursue pleasure through moderation and live a simple life surrounded by close friends. The philosophy emphasized individual pleasures over societal pleasures and living without fear of gods or death.

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225 views15 pages

Epicureanism: Pursuit of Pleasure

Epicurus believed that pleasure is the highest good and the purpose of life is to attain lasting pleasure and avoid pain. He argued that the greatest pleasures are simple and intellectual rather than intense physical pleasures. Epicureans believed one should pursue pleasure through moderation and live a simple life surrounded by close friends. The philosophy emphasized individual pleasures over societal pleasures and living without fear of gods or death.

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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CHAPTER 5

THE EPICUREAN ETHICS


EPICUREANISM & HEDONISM:
MAN’S SEARCH FOR PLEASURE

The main reason why Ethics is given great consideration now is


the fact that every human person is searching for happiness.
THE HEDONIST PHILOSOPHY

Hedonismisthegeneraltermforanyphilosophythatsaysthat“pleasureis
good, pain is evil”. Aristippus considered pleasure as always good
regardlessof itssource.
THE HEDONIST PHILOSOPHY

AccordingtoAristippus,physicalpleasureisthebestof allother
things because it makes life more exciting, dynamic, and worth
living.
THE EPICUREAN PHILOSOPHY
PHILOSOPHY

EPICUREANISM HEDONISM

According to Epicurus,PLEASURE
Philosophy is the medicine of the soul
HAPPINESS

andthechief aimof humanlifeispleasure.


THE EPICUREAN PHILOSOPHY

The main aim of philosophizing of Epicurus was on how to


banishfrompeoplethefearof thegods,whichforhim,wouldbe
preventiveof thepeople’sacquisitionof happiness.
THE DUTY OF A HUMAN PERSON

Epicureans believe that the only thing that is important in life is


one’s own pleasure. Only the quality of our pleasure or pain is
important.
THE DUTY OF A HUMAN PERSON

Epicurus believed that the highest pleasures are intellectual,


and thegreatest good is peace of mind, not intense orexquisite
physicalpleasure.
THE DUTY OF A HUMAN PERSON

Epicurus upheld that pleasure is the standard of goodness.


Pleasure is the gauge in determining the goodness of a human
action.
TYPES OF PLEASURE

NATURAL AND NECESSARY


Example: Food
TYPES OF PLEASURE

NATURAL BUT NOT NECESSARY


Example: Sex
TYPES OF PLEASURE

NEITHER NATURAL NOR NECESSARY


Example: Luxurious Life or Popular Life
TYPES OF PLEASURE

Epicurus held that real happiness could be obtained by means


of those activities that will free the human being from the
troublesof themindandfromthephysicalpain.
THE SELF CENTERED MORAL PHILOSOPHY

The concern of Epicureanism was the individual pleasures and


notthepleasuresof humansociety.
THE SELF CENTERED MORAL PHILOSOPHY

EIGHT COUNSELS OF EPICUREAN LIVING

1. Do not fear God 6. Make friends and be


2. Do not worry about a good friend
death 7.Behonestinyour
3. Do not fear pain businessandprivatelife
4. Live a simple life 8.Avoidfameand
politicalambition
5. Pursue pleasure
wisely

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