POST#2: Epicurus vs. Epictetus
Topic: How does Epicurus define an ethical person? Compare and contrast his moral theory with that of Epictetus’ understanding of ethics. Outline in depth each theorist’s position and then compare and contrast them. Discuss the instances where Epictetus directly challenges Epicurus.
The ethical theory of Epicurus stems from the Cyrenaic doctrine formulated by Aristippus, who advocates the hedonistic principle that pleasure is the supreme good. While there may be a wide range of conception regarding the meaning of a pleasant life, Epicurus believes that a pleasant life can be achieved through the peace of mind.
According to Epicurus, “people always seek what they believe will give them pleasure and avoid what they believe will give them pain and that pleasure is the only intrinsic good and pain the only intrinsic evil” (Great Traditions, 38). Another important theory that Epicurus proposes is that “the duration of pleasures is more important than their intensity in achieving happiness” (Great Traditions, 38). This concept is also the origin of his other theory, as mentioned earlier, that the peace of mind can bring a pleasant life. The reasoning is that mental pleasures are superior to physical pleasures for they are more long-lasing. Moreover, Epicurus thinks the pursuit of physical pleasures lead to unhappiness.
While Epicurus expresses that only actions that enhance people’s enjoyment can have moral significance for them, another great philosopher of his time, Epictetus, seems to think otherwise. According to Epictetus, “the person who values virtue for its own sake is happy” and that “virtue is a condition of the will wherein it is governed by reason, with the result that the virtuous person seeks only those things that are within reach and avoids those things that are beyond it” (Great Traditions, 51).
In contrast with Epicurus’ hedonist theories, Epictetus’ views are very passive. Epicurus thinks that long-term happiness is achievable; however, Epictetus says unhappiness is inevitable. Epicurus focuses on meditation, pleasure, and enjoyment, but Epictetus advises individuals to reason and “resign themselves to limiting desires to matters within their control” (Great Traditions, 51).
Underneath the contrasting look of Epicurus and Epictetus’ theories, there are in fact some similarities between them. The two great philosophers think alike on the matter of the power of mind. Epicurus stresses the importance of mind in the passage to acquire peace and thus happiness and ethics. Epictetus, on the other hand, stresses the importance of mind of people in refraining themselves from unattainable desires. The mind, thus, helps an individual live in a manner befitting his or her rational natures, and that these manners are considered ethical behaviors.
Despite some similarities, the theories of Epicurus and Epictetus still differ on the chief principles. There are even instances where Epictetus directly challenges Epicurus. “In establishing the metaphysical and moral primacy of the will, Epictetus believes that he undermines the philosophy of Epicurus. The doctrine that matter is the most excellent and real thing, he points out, could have been asserted only if its author had the will to do so” (Great Traditions, 55).
An excerpt of Epictetus’ direct inquiry against Epicurus’ thinking is given below: “What is it, that composed volumes concerning ‘the End,’ the Nature of things,’ ‘the Rule’; that assumed a philosophic beard; that, as it was dying, wrote, that it was ‘then spending its last and happiest day’? Was this the body, or was it the faculty of will? And can you, then, without madness, admit anything to be superior to this? Are you in reality so deaf and blind? What, then, does any one dishonor the other faculties?” (Great Traditions, 55).
Epicurus’ notion that the pursuit of physical pleasure leads to unhappiness is highly controversial. Epictetus dislikes this theory and he uses strong words to express his disagreement. In Epictetus’ view, Epicurus is ungrateful of God by giving physical pleasures such negative comments and also by disregarding them. He thinks that Epicurus ought not to dishonor the other faculties other than the mind itself, for example, the faculty of sight and eloquence.
Both Epicurus and Epictetus are great thinkers despite the difference in their philosophies. A
person may side with one of the philosophers; however, no one can disregard the significance of both persons’ work in the field of philosophy and ethics. In fact, by presenting contrasting views, these two philosophers offer people diversity and greater benefits for people who wish to explore in the field of ethics.
The ethical theory of Epicurus stems from the Cyrenaic doctrine formulated by Aristippus, who advocates the hedonistic principle that pleasure is the supreme good. While there may be a wide range of conception regarding the meaning of a pleasant life, Epicurus believes that a pleasant life can be achieved through the peace of mind.
According to Epicurus, “people always seek what they believe will give them pleasure and avoid what they believe will give them pain and that pleasure is the only intrinsic good and pain the only intrinsic evil” (Great Traditions, 38). Another important theory that Epicurus proposes is that “the duration of pleasures is more important than their intensity in achieving happiness” (Great Traditions, 38). This concept is also the origin of his other theory, as mentioned earlier, that the peace of mind can bring a pleasant life. The reasoning is that mental pleasures are superior to physical pleasures for they are more long-lasing. Moreover, Epicurus thinks the pursuit of physical pleasures lead to unhappiness.
While Epicurus expresses that only actions that enhance people’s enjoyment can have moral significance for them, another great philosopher of his time, Epictetus, seems to think otherwise. According to Epictetus, “the person who values virtue for its own sake is happy” and that “virtue is a condition of the will wherein it is governed by reason, with the result that the virtuous person seeks only those things that are within reach and avoids those things that are beyond it” (Great Traditions, 51).
In contrast with Epicurus’ hedonist theories, Epictetus’ views are very passive. Epicurus thinks that long-term happiness is achievable; however, Epictetus says unhappiness is inevitable. Epicurus focuses on meditation, pleasure, and enjoyment, but Epictetus advises individuals to reason and “resign themselves to limiting desires to matters within their control” (Great Traditions, 51).
Underneath the contrasting look of Epicurus and Epictetus’ theories, there are in fact some similarities between them. The two great philosophers think alike on the matter of the power of mind. Epicurus stresses the importance of mind in the passage to acquire peace and thus happiness and ethics. Epictetus, on the other hand, stresses the importance of mind of people in refraining themselves from unattainable desires. The mind, thus, helps an individual live in a manner befitting his or her rational natures, and that these manners are considered ethical behaviors.
Despite some similarities, the theories of Epicurus and Epictetus still differ on the chief principles. There are even instances where Epictetus directly challenges Epicurus. “In establishing the metaphysical and moral primacy of the will, Epictetus believes that he undermines the philosophy of Epicurus. The doctrine that matter is the most excellent and real thing, he points out, could have been asserted only if its author had the will to do so” (Great Traditions, 55).
An excerpt of Epictetus’ direct inquiry against Epicurus’ thinking is given below: “What is it, that composed volumes concerning ‘the End,’ the Nature of things,’ ‘the Rule’; that assumed a philosophic beard; that, as it was dying, wrote, that it was ‘then spending its last and happiest day’? Was this the body, or was it the faculty of will? And can you, then, without madness, admit anything to be superior to this? Are you in reality so deaf and blind? What, then, does any one dishonor the other faculties?” (Great Traditions, 55).
Epicurus’ notion that the pursuit of physical pleasure leads to unhappiness is highly controversial. Epictetus dislikes this theory and he uses strong words to express his disagreement. In Epictetus’ view, Epicurus is ungrateful of God by giving physical pleasures such negative comments and also by disregarding them. He thinks that Epicurus ought not to dishonor the other faculties other than the mind itself, for example, the faculty of sight and eloquence.
Both Epicurus and Epictetus are great thinkers despite the difference in their philosophies. A
person may side with one of the philosophers; however, no one can disregard the significance of both persons’ work in the field of philosophy and ethics. In fact, by presenting contrasting views, these two philosophers offer people diversity and greater benefits for people who wish to explore in the field of ethics.
posted by Mavis Chao at 10:56 PM
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