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Definition:
Epicurus and his followers developed a philosophy which combined an ethical sort of
hedonism with the atomistic theory that all of reality is made up from a combination
atoms and void (thus, a form of atomism).
The basic tenet which most people are familiar with is the idea that happiness, or at least the avoidance of pain and emotional disturbance, is the highest good which a person can pursue. Thus, Epicureanism advocates the pursuit of pleasures that can be enjoyed in moderation.
Epicureanism allows for the existence of gods, but denies that they have any influence in the world or intervene in human affairs. There is no afterlife where people are rewarded or punished and there is no eternal soul which goes on after the body dies.
Also Known As: none
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Related Resources:
What are Ethics and Morality?
Ethics is the formal study of moral standards and conduct. For this reason, the study of ethics is also often called "moral philosophy." What is good? What is evil? How should I behave - and why? How should I balance my needs against the needs of others?What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
