What is the good life according to Epicurus?
For Epicurus, the most pleasant life is one where we abstain from unnecessary desires and achieve an inner tranquility (ataraxia) by being content with simple things, and by choosing the pleasure of philosophical conversation with friends over the pursuit of physical pleasures like food, drink, and sex.
What is happiness according to Epicurus?
Epicurus denotes that happiness is the supreme good and it comes as a result of maximizing all aspects of pleasure. Epicurus further goes on to identify two types of pleasures; namely dynamic and static pleasures.
Is Utilitarianism a consequentialist theory?
Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism because it rests on the idea that it is the consequences or results of actions, laws, policies, etc. that determine whether they are good or bad, right or wrong.
What are the two types of pleasures on Epicurus view?
Epicurus identified two types of pleasure—moving and static—and described two areas of pleasure and pain—physical and mental. Moving pleasure refers to actively being in the process of satisfying a desire. An example of this could be eating food when you feel hungry.
What is Epicurus best known for?
Epicurus, (born 341 bc, Samos, Greece—died 270, Athens), Greek philosopher, author of an ethical philosophy of simple pleasure, friendship, and retirement. He founded schools of philosophy that survived directly from the 4th century bc until the 4th century ad.
What does it mean to speak of utilitarianism as a consequentialist moral theory?
To speak of utilitarianism as a consequentialist moral theory is to state that it is based on the consequences of actions, and not the actions themselves. It is based around how an action affects other people. Specifically, it is based around how much happiness or unhappiness an action creates.
How does Consequentialism relate to utilitarianism?
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral theory focused on maximizing the overall good; the good of others as well as the good of one’s self. One difference, however, is consequentialism does not specify a desired outcome, while utilitarianism specifies good as the desired outcome.
What is Epicurean theory?
Epicureanism is a system of philosophy based on the teachings of Epicurus, founded around 307 B.C. It teaches that the greatest good is to seek modest pleasures in order to attain a state of tranquillity, freedom from fear (“ataraxia”) and absence from bodily pain (“aponia”).