Can we be Slaves to our Desires? Epictetus argues that we can be slaves to our desires. In one example‚ a man clearly desires power and thinks he gains it by becoming Caesar’s friend; though in doing so‚ he becomes more like a slave. Although he may have increased his social status‚ he proves to be worse off and more enslaved than when he started. He now has to pay attention continuously to Caesar’s every word. He has to agonize constantly over whether the great Caesar views him favorably‚ and
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In The Manual of Epictetus‚ Arrian described the beliefs held by Epictetus and the Stoics. Arrian explained the aspect of power in terms of thoughts‚ impulses‚ actions and our will‚ in addition to existing things not in our power. Arrian also discussed behavior and actions to a great extent‚ focusing on attitude‚ compassion‚ your character‚ (bodily) limitations‚ and obedient piety. The Stoics according identified a happy life‚ according to Arrian‚ through contemplation of nature without pride
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UC 310 Dr.Finn Stoicism The philosophy of the Stoics played a central role in developing the ideals of the Roman ruling classes. This philosophy emerged in Greece in the early 3rd century B.C. with the thought of Zeno‚ a native of Citium on the island of Cyprus. He and his followers‚ such as Cleanthes‚ took their name from the colonnade‚ or covered porch‚ in the agora (marketplace) in Athens. These philosophers and their followers were given to strolling in this colonnade‚ or
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Therapists‚ 2010). The idea of thoughts as they connect to behaviors can be traced back to Epictetus (55 AD -135 AD ‚ Greek Stoic and Philosopher). He stated‚ “Men are not disturbed by things‚ but by the view which they take of them (Epictetus and Higgonson‚ 1944). Epictetus also wrote‚ “Do not strive for things occurring to occur as you wish‚ but wish things occurring as they occur‚ and you will flow well (Epictetus and Lebell‚ 1994).” In other words‚ see things for what they really are and good health
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Menoeceus‚ Epicurus provides his perspective of how one can bring meaning to their lives. He makes the argument that one should take actions towards the satisfaction of all desires and attainment of freedom from pain and fear‚ which all ultimately lead to tranquility of the mind and soul. In opposition to Epicurus’ argument‚ someone could say that one can miscalculate that self-interest is more important than morality which in turn‚ supports the behavior of psychopaths. In response‚ Epicurus might say
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In “Letter to Menoeceus” by Epicurus‚ Epicurus sends out the message that the most pleasant sort of life is one in which there is happiness and pleasure. He argues that there is no time in which we are too young or too old to seek wisdom to change our lives for the better‚ and that “both old and young alike ought to seek wisdom” (Epicurus 11). A bit later in the letter‚ he tells Menoeceus to avoid fearing death because there is nothing that we as humans can do about it. He tells Menoeceus that “death
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Skepticism flourished. The first philosopher I read about was Epicurus‚ who is considered to be the founder of Epicureanism which is the hedonistic theory that life’s highest aim is happiness that is attained through moderate pleasures and the avoidance of mental disturbances. Epicurus also found Hedonism which is the doctrine that pleasure is the supreme good. However Epicurus hedonism is a somewhat misunderstood. One interesting thing about Epicurus’ is that he believed that the true life of pleasure consists
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Many things have changed since Epicurus wrote on his philosophy of happiness around 307 BC‚ but in this century we can still obtain happiness as long as we have Epicurus’ three foundations of freedom‚ friendship and an analyzed life. He says that happiness does not come from money and money is not required to obtain happiness as long as the essentials are met. (de Botton‚ ND) There is comfort taken in the ideas of Epicurus because the three things needed for happiness can be accessed by everyone
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the most fundamental levels regarding the true nature of “good” and “happiness.” Within Ethics‚ there are several different sub-branches including those which will be discussed here: Aristotle’s Teleology and Epicurus’ Hedonism. Nichomachean Ethics by Aristotle and Letter to Monoeceus by Epicurus provide us with two different perspectives concerning what happiness is. The following comparisons between these works highlight some of the the similiraties and differences between the two perspectives. Aristotle’s
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we are relieved from the craving for immortality. For Epicurus‚ the body is simply matter made up out of particles‚ which decomposes after death. Nonetheless‚ it can also be seen as a medium for obtaining pleasure. Plato believes knowledge is virtue‚ however Epicurus asserts that being virtuous means being happy. As mentioned‚ happiness is obtained due to an absence of pain‚ however‚ can it also be obtained by the body’s capacities? In Epicurus’ eyes‚ these desires are unnecessary‚ however‚ the body
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