Philosophy Talk: Epicurus' views on Pleasure and Death
Epicurus (341BC - 270 BC) was born in the Greek city Samos, where he dedicated his life to a philosophy based on the pursuit of the 'simple pleasure' of life, 'friendship, retirement' and ethics (Diano no date).
He lived in an era that witnessed the decline of the greatest Hellenist cities.
Other than a variety of quotes, some of his most prominent works include Letter to Herodotus, Letter to Pythocles, and Letter to Menoeceus.
In this article we will discuss the views Epicurus held in regards to death and pleasures.
Central to Epicurus' philosophy, lies the idea that everything is matter and composed of atoms: our very soul is composed of matter and it distributes itself throughout the body.
The notion of the soul carries no religious or metaphysical meaning whatsoever: it does not exist after the individual's death.
According to the Greek philosopher, death and religion were linked to fear 'since religion taught the fear of death' (Cameron 2015). However, he believed that the gods were not to be feared: after all, how could these 'supernatural' being be interested or intertwine with 'human affairs'? He believed in no afterlife judgment or life after death.
In order to live a happy and wise life, his philosophy claimed that individuals should come to terms with the idea of death: it must be envisaged as a simple, natural circumstance that no one can escape. It is inevitable, therefore, one must accept it.
As a consequence, Epicurus believed that people should not fear death: rather they should view it as the dissolution and definite loss of any type of sensitivity. The Epicurean school of thought defined death as the 'dissolution of the body and the soul'. Moreover, they believed it was useless to feel anxiety in regards to death: it is exactly the cessation of our physical functions and feelings, thus, there will be no sensations involved.
Rather than placing focus upon the afterlife, one should focus on the present.
According to Epicurus, pleasure is experienced through the flesh and body.
It consists in the absence of physical and emotional pain.
The thinker speaks of three types of desires (that lead to pleasure) typical of human beings: natural and necessary desires, natural and empty desires, unnatural and empty desires.
(I) Natural and necessary desires are the only desires that should be pursued since they are the only ones required by nature. They 'allow a person to enjoy pleasures free from anxiety and worry' (Putman 2015).
In essence, 'Natural and necessary desires are the desires of food, shelter and the like.' (Cameron 2015; citing Jeremy Harwood).
(II) natural and empty desires are basic needs with a fancy twist on them, since they are vain. Some instances include refined foods, beverages, clothes, and so on.
(III) unnatural and empty desires are the most difficult to fulfil: 'Vain and empty desires include those for riches, power and fame, which are practically impossible ever to satisfy because they have no natural limit'(Cameron 2015; citing Jeremy Harwood).
However, Epicurus' philosophy for a 'happy life' seems rather limitative and restricted. In fact, as Bertrand Russell points out, his thought seems to encourage a rather deprived life:
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cameron, J. (2015). Epicurean Hedonism: Pursue Pleasure but Beware of Desire. Available from: http://decodedpast.com/epicurean-hedonism-pursue-pleasure-beware-desire/14755 [Accessed 21 May 2018]
Diano, C. (no date). Epicurus: Greek Philosopher. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Available from: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Epicurus#ref2132 [Accessed 21 May 2018].
Putman, D. (2005). Natural and Empty Desires: An Epicurean View of Musical Experience. Contemporary Aesthetics. Available from: https://contempaesthetics.org/newvolume/pages/article.php?articleID=262 [Accessed 21 May 2018].
Image available from: https://www.mercatornet.com/features/view/jeffersons-master-epicurus-and-the-nature-of-the-american-regime/20883
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Men will do anything to avoid pain but to gain pleasure!
Excellent post!
Thank you my friend, I'm glad you appreciate it :)