Epicurus (341-271 BC) Epicureanism
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
- www.iep.utm.edu...
Epicurus is one of the major philosophers in the Hellenistic period, the three centuries following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE (and of Aristotle in 322 BCE). Epicurus developed an unsparingly materialistic metaphysics, empiricist epistemology, and hedonistic ethics. Epicurus taught that the basic constituents of the world are atoms, uncuttable bits of matter, flying through empty space, and he tried to explain all natural phenomena in atomic terms. Epicurus rejected the existence of Platonic forms and an immaterial soul, and he said that the gods have no influence on our lives. Epicurus also thought skepticism was untenable, and that we could gain knowledge of the world relying upon the senses. He taught that the point of all one's actions was to attain pleasure (conceived of as tranquility) for oneself, and that this could be done by limiting one's desires and by banishing the fear of the gods and of death. Epicurus' gospel of freedom from fear proved to be quite popular, and communities of Epicureans flourished for centuries after his death.The same goal which was aimed at in Stoicism was also approached, from a diametrically opposite position, in the system founded about the same time by Epicurus, of the deme Gargettus in Attica (342-268), who brought it to completion himself. Epicureanism, like Stoicism, is connected with previous systems. Like Stoicism, it is also practical in its ends, proposing to find in reason and knowledge the secret of a happy life, and admitting abstruse learning only where it serves the ends of practical wisdom. Hence, logic (called by Epicurus (kanonikon), or the doctrine of canons of truth) is made entirely subservient to physics, physics to ethics. The standards of knowledge and canons of truth in theoretical matters are the impressions of the senses, which are true and indisputable, together with the presentations formed from such impressions, and opinions extending beyond those impressions, in so far as they are supported or not contradicted by the evidence of the senses. In practical questions the feelings of pleasure and pain are the tests. Epicurus's physics, in which he follows in essentials the materialistic system of Democritus, are intended to refer all phenomena to a natural cause, in order that a knowledge of nature may set men free from the bondage of disquieting superstitions.
I can't praise this program enough. The moderator asks penetrating questions, keeps the pace flowing along. The guests are knowledgable and to the point. Epicurus was onto something. Simple pleasures are the best.
Useful perspective, addressing fear as central concern. Thanks for bringing together these people.
Loving kindness even for the shadows, the negative aspects that dwell within everything, because without them there would be no positive, anything that seems bad ultimately has a good side and anything that seems good ultimately has a bad side, which is why true divinity is always changing it can never be said to be only one way, it always transcends limits, change itself is perfection... - Rabbi Wordiyaheko
wow
What would you call and feel about a person or institution which copies someones work, does not give him any credit for it, and more than that, possibly burns his books during the "dark ages" . There are books written about the many similarities between Apostle Paul and Epicurus, to the point that many claim that Apostle Paul was an Epicurean himself or was trying to borrow the good parts from Epicurean philosophy in his writings because Epicurianism was spreading in a very fast pace in many cities. Religious institutions have attacked Epicurus philosophy ruthlessly (due to his elimination of fear of death), and I myself find me at odds with many religious friends by calling myself an Epicurean and that is how it is. When there is no foundation you tend to cling on with the rest of the vines to support you. There is a stigma against Epicureans by a long played manipulation, misunderstanding, propaganda of religious institutions and religious people alike. One of the Greatest "realistic Greek philosophers", unfortunately better known in Italy than Greece and now becoming popular in a fast pace (I think thanks to the Internet and of course our times of too much rat race been victims of the brainwashing machine of our beautiful capitalistic society). Epicureans are not Atheists. They can also be Agnostic. We are lucky in the USA living in our mixed Pot of races, religions and have established a good amount of respect and tolerance and acceptance of differences. There is no reason in my opinion to prove anyone wrong. If religion helps you to be a better person, good for you. If not, good for you too. I approve friends based on their level of humanity, their virtues and actions. Just don't try to have a debate to prove to anyone of the "truth" utilizing methods that confuse "stories" with "facts". And this my friends, will never change, not in our lifetime. However it is great to not give a shit and ramble on without Fear! :-) Have a good one! Enjoy life! Love yourselves and I'm not sorry for rambling on, this is the first for me.
Thanks for posting this video. Great summary of Epicurus and Epicureanism and the commentary seems right on.
Hey the picture is from the Getty Villa in Santa Monica California. Such a beautiful place...
That crazy first breath at the start of the video.
Self-sacrifice, even dying for a friend, was taught by Epicurus, centuries before Jesus ever lived.
_"...an Epicurean sage will on occasion will even perform what may be termed the ultimate act of self-sacrifice; he will die for a friend."_
Warren, J. (2004) Facing Death: Epicurus and his Critics. Oxford University Press. pp. 186-187
Steel Teepost - This is a beautiful idea. I would like to believe this, but the source quoted above was published in 2004. Could you provide an earlier source the author was referencing? Perhaps, is there a quote which links this idea to Epicurus? While beautiful thoughts from modern Epicureans is admirable, one cannot make a historical claim about Epicurus based on these grounds alone. Thank you.
Thanks, enjoyed this.
Interesting discussion! Curious how so many have a differing opinion of Epicureanism!
To bad so much of the information was destroyed! Also how the Christian assimilated all the communities!
09:00
I too am an Epicurean.
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tit for tat, an eye for an eye.
29:08
Melvin Bragg - BBC radio 4
Hey, sound like any snob in a cartoon series.
" NON FUI FUI NON SUM NON CURO "
The motto leverages some slight-of-hand. Surely the question concerns the living -- not an imaginary dead person. Simply note the voluminous writings produced by Epicurus, and his interest in influencing others seems clear. "Non fui; Fui; Non sum; CURO!"
" If I have told you EARTHLY things and yet you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you HEAVENLY things ? "........................The Book of John Chapter 3 verse 12.
OMG! Melvyn Bragg! I am a total groupie of his cranky middlebrow ability to tear down complexities and textual scholarship to the point of anti-elitist whining!
I don't exactly disagree. Still, I'm left uncomfortable by his brusque exchanges with the female. Somehow I link elitism with Chauvinism.
I think Epicurus was talking about Nirvana.
Holy shit! According to these people, neurotic thoughts are to be pursued because they bring some "pleasure."