Happiness and Epicurus

Epicureanism is a philosophy developed the teachings and ideals of a man named Epicurus. Epicureanism is defined by Epicurus as the pleasure for the end of all morality and that real pleasure is attained through a life of prudence, honor, and justice. Epicurus introduced this philosophy around 322 B.C, and two schools established in Athens. Epicurus taught the ethics of his philosophy in his school, that a person should live by "the art of making life happy", and that "prudence is the noblest part of philosophy"(newadvent.org). Epicurus ideals for life intrigued people and they began to think that perhaps the ethics of Epicureanism had some truth behind it; a person should live his/her life to the fullest in order to become happy. Epicurus also made judgments on theology, logic and psychology. Throughout the life of Epicurus and his teachings of Epicureanism, the people of Greece and the world widened their view of life as a result of Epicurus teachings. Epicureanism provided a great out-look on what life should be. During the age of Epicureanism, people questioned the philosophy of Epicurus. In order to understand the history of Epicureanism, the person must first understand the knowledge of how and why it came to be. The how part which helps people to better understand the teachings of Epicureanism is "the art of making life happy." To people in Athens this was reflected by the people as to why they not live their lives to fully while they are in this world. As for the why part, Epicurus decided in 310 B.C that people should want to live their lives knowing that they are living for themselves and not the purpose of pleasing others or society. Epicurus then began to form a new school which would explain why someone would want to live for themselves and not for the satisfaction of someone else. Epicurus said, "We cannot live pleasurably without living prudently, gracefully, and justly; and we cannot live prudently gracefully, and justly, without living

Bibliography: Website: 1) "Epicureanism" CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: 29 Nov 2004. 18 Aug 2004. 2) "Epicureanism" Epicurus & Epicurean Philosophy: 27 Nov 2004. 12 Jan 1990 Books: 1) Holy Bible: Information from John, Paul. 2) "Epicureanism" 2004, Encyclopedia of Britannica v.5 pp. 758-805 3) J. M. Rist Cambridge. Epicurus; an introduction University Press, 1972