A Philosophical Study of Epicureanism
On the basics of Epicureanism...
This is an introduction to the basics of Epicureanism. As with all my philosophy articles, I'll start with the fundamentals and gradually dive into various branches of the philosophy and key thinkers associated with it.
In Tetrapharmakos, Philodemos, a first century poet writes:
“Don’t fear god,
Don’t worry about death,
What is good is easy to get,
What is terrible is easy to endure.”
These lines encapsulate the core principles of Epicurean life, presenting a straightforward and natural approach to existence.
This very lifestyle was made possible for the unique environment Epicurus curated for his philosophy. While other philosophers chose public spaces for teaching, Epicurus’s Garden became a private refuge where his hedonistic and materialistic ideas could thrive. Though we know little about its layout, its proximity to the Eridanus River likely provided abundant water for its trees and plants. After his death, the Garden continued to serve as a sanctuary for Epicureans seeking solace from urban disturbances for many years.
Epicureanism
Epicureanism is a philosophical system founded by Epicurus around 307 BCE in ancient Greece.
Atomism
Epicureanism is one of the oldest philosophical theories (founded around 307 BCE in ancient Greece by Epicurus) yet it is rooted in what we now understand as modern physics—specifically, atomism. This connection to a concrete scientific foundation highlights its practicality.
For the Epicureans, atomism posits that everything is composed of atoms, which cannot be created or destroyed. This theory, tracing back to Aristotle, has influenced the entire course of philosophy and even seeped into religious thought.
According to this view, atoms exist infinitely in an empty void, moving about until they randomly collide to form matter. The Epicureans refer to this spontaneous movement as "swerving." This swerving is not necessitated but rather random. As a result everything has free will. Some would argue this is a great first step for a theory to take!
In terms of human beings, atoms swerve together to create a body. Because this body is accidentally created by randomly swerving atoms, the human being has free will. Another perk, the Epicureans believe is that since atoms can disperse, there’s no need to fear a deity. While Epicureans don’t deny the existence of gods, they maintain that these gods do not intervene in the world, likely influenced by Aristotle’s concept of a prime mover. For those seeking a theory that doesn’t depend on divine intervention, this perspective is appealing.
However, a significant issue arises: as atoms can disconnect and cease to form a human aggregate, all traces of personal identity vanish. Once the atoms disperse, our personal identity is lost, suggesting that identity has little substance. This presents a challenge for discussing mental capacities, which are inherently personal and subjective and cannot easily be defined by atoms. The next section will emphasise this reductive concept of the mental further.
Pain and Pleasure
Epicureanism is fundamentally a hedonistic theory centred on pleasure and pain.
There are two types of pain and pleasure. The first is kinetic pain or pleasure, which refers to our immediate experiences. For example, enjoying a drink at a party feels fantastic—let's have another!
The second type encompasses psychological pleasures/pains, where we reflect on the past and consider the future. This might lead us to think twice about overindulging at the party, remembering that hangovers are unpleasant and we’d rather avoid one. So, a few drinks should suffice.
These types of pleasure/pain also relate to atoms. It’s about the way the atoms rub together to create these feelings.
So it’s about striking a balance that can ultimately bring about katastemic pleasures, achieved through the absence of pain, which leads us to ataraxia—the tranquillity we aim for.
For the Epicureans, this is a straightforward theory. They believed it doesn’t take much to reach this state—just simple shelter and basic food. It’s really that simple! By becoming self-sufficient, we avoid being a burden to others.
So, how compatible is this philosophy with our artificial society?
As far as philosophical theories go, Epicureanism is refreshingly straightforward and well-grounded. It doesn’t rely on deities, eliminating many of the dilemmas that can complicate other belief systems. While it may be difficult to accept that nothing comes from nothing, simpler theories often resonate more clearly.
Hedonistic theories can feel reductive, especially since pain and pleasure are ultimately subjective experiences. However, I believe there’s value in applying this philosophy to daily life—albeit with a touch of caution. Take the example of drinking: before diving into that next drink, it’s worth considering the potential consequences, like a hangover. Similarly, when I find myself mindlessly scrolling on my phone, I try to remind myself of the time I could be spending reading or writing—future me will definitely appreciate those choices.
We naturally engage in this kind of reflective thinking anyway, and it’s a useful way to guide our decisions.
However, I do have reservations about the atomism inherent in Epicureanism. Personal identity is significant, and this simplistic framework doesn’t seem to allow for the idea that our identity can persist beyond our physical existence. That’s a challenging notion to grapple with, especially when we place so much value on who we are as individuals.
And of course this is a theory over 2000 years old. In an artificial and consumerist society, the principles of Epicureanism face significant challenges. While the philosophy advocates for simplicity and finding pleasure in basic necessities, modern life often prioritises excess and constant consumption. The pressure to acquire more—whether it’s the latest gadget, trendy clothing, or extravagant experiences—can lead to heightened anxiety rather than the tranquillity that Epicureans seek. In a world saturated with advertising and social media influences, the notion of reflective decision-making can become obscured by the allure of immediate gratification.
But I do stand by the fact that the essence of Epicureanism—encouraging us to weigh the consequences of our choices—remains relevant. By consciously stepping back from consumerist impulses and focusing on what genuinely brings joy, individuals can still find pockets of peace and fulfilment amidst the chaos of modern life.
Do you think Epicureanism is a philosophical theory you could align with?
I enjoyed your post, thank you! I never studied Philosophy seriously, but having read texts and books in a past life, I appreciate the clarity of your writing and how it made me stop and think for a min (also learned something new!) It made me think about weighing decisions that may feel painful in the present but hold promise of future rewards, like deliberately avoiding social media (which a lot of times feels like a struggle) for the benefit of giving my mind a rest, which rewards me back with a reduced sense of overwhelmingness. Now I need to put down my phone!