1. How does Epicurean happiness resemble Buddhism? VIII
2. What stereotypes contribute to a flawed understanding of Epicurus, according to the editor? XIII
3. What was the genius compromise of ancient Greek philosophy that synthesized the views of Heraclitus and Parmenides? 5
4. The Epicurean savior today would be who? 9
5. Add yours please...
4. The Epicurean savior today would be who? 9
5. Add yours please...
DQ
- Does the definition of happiness as the absence of pain bring us "up to only zero" on the happiness scale? How should an Epicurean define it?
- How often do you feel an explicit "joy in simply being alive"? How many people do you know who do?
- Is the principle of universal causation ("every event has a prior cause") a good translation of Epicurus's "nothing arises from nothing"? Are both statements effective weapons against superstition and fear?
- Add yours please...
From the introduction to the Art of Happiness:
ReplyDeleteQQ: 1. Under Epicurus’s atomist theory, the collisions and combinations of atoms necessary to produce objects were the result of what? (17)
2.Epicureanism was designed as a positive way to escape from the unpleasant social and political environment of the Hellenistic period, and is thus described as a . (27)
DQ: There has been a resurgence of interest in Epicurean philosophy. If Epicureanism developed out of social and political turmoil as a “salvation” philosophy, does the social and political turmoil in the world today explain this resurgence?
Regarding the DQ, I do think that the resurgence has less to do the turmoil in the world (I would argue that amount of turmoil in the world has remained reflectively constant, but our exposure/awareness has increased) but a rejection of the traditional values of previous generations. Since the Epicurian lifestyle does not rely on the presence of higher powers, as humanism has become more widespread and socially acceptable, this would be the alternative framework for happiness instead on of one that relies of religious beliefs. Since Epicurianism believes in the limited role of divinity and puts man in the driver's seat of their happiness, it meshes well with the rejection of theistic beliefs.
DeleteQQ:
ReplyDelete1.What are the 4 'tests for truth' that make up the 'hard empirical core of Epicureanism'? (p.28-31 A-D)
2.What should the Epicurean 'Principle of Noncontradiction' remind the student of logic of? (p.33)
QQ:
ReplyDelete3.What is 'ataraxia'? (p.26)
QQ:
ReplyDelete1: Who argued that if nothingness is inconceivable, then nothingness is likewise nonexistent? Pg 4
2: Who introduced two revolutionary changes to pluralistic theory? Pg 6
3: What stark reality did Epicurus attach the greatest importance? Pg 11
4: What is the purpose for ALL knowledge for Epicurus? Pg 26
QQ:
ReplyDelete1. What is the single explanation that is consistent with phenomena? (37)
2. What made it possible for Epicureans to give plausible explanations of "imperceptibles"? (32)
QQ:
ReplyDelete1. Who more directly influenced Epicurus' ideas about ataraxia? (VIII)
2. Heraclitus wrote what off as illusions to the senses? (3)
3. What was one reason the progression of science staelmated for so many centuries? (7)
4. Any Greek materialist would have been dismayed at later empiricism in the hands of whom? (22)
DQ:How often do you feel an explicit "joy in simply being alive"? How many people do you know who do?
ReplyDeleteThe only times I can think of where one would feel that joy in being alive is if you narrowly escape death or if someone close to you passes away. A good example of this is when you almost get into a car accident and after you survive you feel this feeling of relief and gratitude to be alive. As far as explicitly having this feeling all of the time, I do not know anyone personally that feels this way.
QQ
ReplyDelete1. Epicureans with good reason saw a direct correlation between what? (35)
2. In the Letter to Pythocles, all theories were found to be what? (37)
These are my questions
DeleteQQ: Who was the philosopher that contradicted Heraclitus by saying that nothingness is inconceivable? p. 3
ReplyDeleteQQ: What philosopher first came up with the proposition that motion is eternal? p.15
How often do you feel an explicit "joy in simply being alive"? How many people do you know who do?
ReplyDeleteAs someone who used to struggle with depression, I simply find joy in being alive now. For example, just going outside one can find joy in being able to stand there and feel the breeze or see the coloration of the vegetation. Simply enjoying the privilege of being alive. When at one time everything was dull, now I am able to perceive the world in a different way. Even if things are stressful and I am struggling, I find joy in being able to feel those different sensations.
I feel a similar way. It seems that those who have struggled and know what actual suffering is like tend to have more of an appreciation for life once it has been alleviated. By no means am I always joyful in my day to day life, but I do catch myself more frequently just taking a breath and appreciating the moment. Just today I was feeling very happy driving away from campus after finishing a presentation I'd been stressing over for a few days.I think that overcoming struggles can really help you appreciate your life. As far as other people, i'm in no place to judge where someone is at with their life; but it does appear that many people do not feel this joy at all in their lives.
DeleteHow often do you feel an explicit "joy in simply being alive"? How many people do you know who do?
ReplyDeleteI often have a more tranquil feeling of happiness and I probably don't think about how lucky I am to be alive enough. I find that the only real places I have felt an explicit joy of being alive is in nature.
I second that. I have found that I typically experience the simple joy of being alive when I am living a simple life. And what is more simple and down to earth than walking through the woods with your livelihood in a backpack...
DeleteDQ: Is the principle of universal causation ("every event has a prior cause") a good translation of Epicurus's "nothing arises from nothing"? Are both statements effective weapons against superstition and fear?
ReplyDeleteSeems like the principle of universal causation is a good definition of Epicurus's statement. Regarding how it refutes fear, it is valuable mindsets since it frames ours fears a natural phenomenon with treatable solutions. Our fear gets the better of us when we believe that we can do nothing to defeat it.