Epicurean Hedonism

523 Words2 Pages

EPICUREANISM
SUBMITTED BY:
ASHUTOSH GUPTA
(2014139)
2ND SEMESTER #image taken from net
If we talk in strict sense then, Epicureanism is the philosophy taught by Epicureus (341-270 B.C.). Epicureanism is a form of hedonism. Hedonism as we all know states that good equal pleasure. This expression means something that gives us pleasure should be practiced and enjoyed. But here comes the difference. Epicureans believed that we should seek pleasure in moderation and must not overdo pleasures. If we practice pleasures in excess, then it may lead to sickness and shortening of lives of people. People always criticize Epicurus for offering a hypochondriac view of pleasure i.e. if you overdo pleasures you would fall sick or even may die. …show more content…

They believed that God existed, but it shows no interest in human affairs. There are no absolutes in Epicureanism. Epicureanism argues that people have free will, rationality and they can chose independently what sort of life they want to lead. However, some choices would definitely better than others. Humans like all the animals of the ecosystem should try to seek pleasure and avoid pain. But since we are rational beings we should try to pursue pleasure as rationally and as intelligently as possible.
Epicurus said that, for each of our actions, we should first consider the pleasures it would give us and the pains it would lead to and then measure the net outcome. For example some activities like drinking alcohol in excess amount lead to short term boost in pleasure but ultimately lead to great pains in the form of sick bodies, hangovers and broken relationships. Epicureanism also argues that we should limit our desires to what is necessary and easy to

Open Document