What role should pleasure play in our lives? How much pleasure is too much? In today’s class, we’ll explore the philosophy of Epicureanism and its founder, Epicurus. Like other hedonists, Epicureans believe that pleasure is the intrinsic good that all actions aim at. However, unlike many hedonists, they are also wary of the dangers of over-indulging one’s desires. The result is a delicate balance between cultivating virtue and satisfying one’s desires.
Read This:
Epicurus’ Letter to Menoeceus: Avoid Pain
Key Concepts:
- Epicureanism vs. Cyrenaic hedonism
- “Groundless”, “natural”, and “necessary” desires
- Lucretian symmetry
Have questions or thoughts about the reading? Post them on PollEverywhere, and upvote any classmates’ responses that you’d like to cover in class. We’ll address the most upvoted responses during the Q&A part of class.
Do This:
- Complete your Apology essay by December 8.
- Reminder: If you would like to submit a “Living the Good Life” reflection on a prompt from the Meaning unit (“Choose Your Meaning” through “Reflect On Your Death”), the last day to do so is December 13.
Pre-Class Questions
Your responses to the following questions are due on Canvas before class. Your top 15 scores of the semester will count toward your final grade.
- In your current life, what is something you do for pleasure? Imagine centering the rest of your life around this activity. Do you think this would be a good life? Explain your reasoning. What does your answer reveal about your conception of the good life?
- Drawing on today’s reading, relate your reflection on the previous prompt to Epicurus’ philosophy. Identify any significant points of similarity or difference between your outlook and Epicurus’.
