Beliefs
What is the ultimate goal of life in Epicureanism?
Where did Epicurus teach his followers?
The Garden
What was the role of friendship?
The greatest means of attaining pleasure
Who founded Epicureanism?
Epicurus
How does an Epicurean define "pleasure"?
Freedom from suffering
Why did the philosophy disappear for over a thousand years?
As Christianity rose to power in the 4th century CE, Epicureanism was targeted for its "atheistic" view of indifferent gods and its denial of an afterlife.
What was the Epicurean view of death?
Since we aren't there to experience it, death cannot be "bad" for us.
Why did Epicureans avoid politics?
They believed the pursuit of power and public office led to stress, competition, and "vain desires," all of which destroyed ataraxia.
What did Epicurus view as happiness?
The absence of bodily pain (aponia) and mental disturbance (ataraxia)
Who was Lucretius?
Lucretius was a Roman poet (c. 99–55 BCE) who wrote "On the Nature of Things"
What are the three types of desires in this philosophy?
Natural and Necessary, Natural but Unnecessary, & Vain and Empty
Who were the "Four Founders"?
Epicurus, Metrodorus, Hermarchus, and Polyaenus.
How did Epicureanism view the physical world?
They believed the entire universe consisted of tiny, indivisible particles (atoms) and empty space (void), with no divine design or "higher purpose" behind the movement of matter.
What is the "Villa of the Papyri"?
A luxury estate in Herculaneum (likely owned by Julius Caesar's father-in-law) that housed a massive Epicurean library.
Did Epicureans believe in marriage and having children?
Epicurus advised against marriage and parenthood because he believed the intense emotional worries and responsibilities would disturb one's ataraxia.
How did Epicurus start his school?
Epicurus moved to Athens in 306 BCE and purchased a house with a large plot of land.
How did they view wealth and possessions?
Minimalism
Why was the school considered scandalous in ancient Athens?
It was the first major school to admit women and enslaved people as intellectual equals.
How did they handle physical illness?
Vividly remembering past pleasures.
Where was Epicurus born?
The Greek island of Samos