Introduction to Epicurus
Founded by Epicurus (341–270 BCE) in his school known as “The Garden,” Epicureanism is often misunderstood as a philosophy of decadent self-indulgence. In reality, it was a highly disciplined and minimalist way of life. Epicurus argued that the goal of life is to achieve Ataraxia (peace of mind) and Aponia (absence of physical pain).
To achieve this, he proposed a materialist worldview based on atomism and a psychological framework for managing desires.
The Atomic Theory of the Soul
Like Democritus before him, Epicurus believed the universe consists solely of Atoms and the Void.
- Materialism: There is no immaterial realm; even the soul is made of fine, smooth atoms that disperse when the body dies.
- The “Swerve”: To account for free will in a deterministic universe of atoms, Epicurus proposed the clinamen (swerve)—the idea that atoms occasionally move unpredictably, allowing for human agency.
- Gods: Epicurus did not deny the existence of gods, but he argued they were also made of atoms and lived in the spaces between worlds. Being perfect, they have no interest in human affairs, neither punishing nor rewarding us.
The Calculation of Pleasure
While Epicurus were “hedonists” (believing pleasure is the only intrinsic good), they distinguished between different types of pleasures. A wise person practices “sober reasoning” to choose only those pleasures that do not lead to greater pain later.
1. Natural and Necessary Desires
These include the basic requirements for life: food, water, shelter, and friendship. These are easy to satisfy and should be pursued.
2. Natural but Non-Necessary Desires
These include luxurious food, sex, or aesthetic pleasures. They are fine in moderation but can lead to obsession or anxiety if we become dependent on them.
3. Vain and Empty Desires
These include wealth, power, fame, and immortality. They are unnatural, impossible to fully satisfy, and the primary source of human suffering.
Epicurus’s recipe for a happy life was simple: “Bread and water, and a few friends.”
The Removal of Fear
The greatest obstacles to Ataraxia are the fear of the gods and the fear of death. Epicurus attacked these fears with logic:
The “Medicine” for Death: The Symmetry Argument
Epicurus famously argued: “Death is nothing to us.”
- When we exist, death is not present.
- When death is present, we do not exist.
- Therefore, we can never “experience” being dead. Furthermore, the time after our death is just like the time before our birth (pre-natal non-existence)—and we do not find the time before our birth terrifying. Therefore, it is irrational to fear the time after our death.
The Importance of Friendship
In “The Garden,” Epicureans lived in a communal setting, prioritizing friendship over politics. Epicurus argued that friendship is the greatest of all things that wisdom provides for a happy life. Unlike the Stoics, who were cosmopolitans involved in public life, the Epicureans advised: “Live in obscurity.” By avoiding the stress of politics and public competition, one could maintain their tranquility.
Epicureanism vs. Stoicism
While both schools sought tranquility (ataraxia), their methods were opposites:
- Stoics sought peace through duty, virtue, and engagement with the world.
- Epicureans sought peace through pleasure, withdrawal, and the pruning of desires.
The Tetrapharmakos (The Four-Part Cure)
Epicureanism can be summarized in this brief formula:
- Don’t fear god.
- Don’t worry about death.
- What is good is easy to get.
- What is terrible is easy to endure.
Epicureanism remained one of the dominant philosophies for centuries until the rise of Christianity, which targeted its materialist and hedonistic claims. However, its influence resurfaced during the Enlightenment, particularly in the thought of Thomas Jefferson (who called himself an Epicurean) and the utilitarian tradition.