EPICUREANS
EPICUREANS
Epicureanism is a system of philosophy based
upon the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, founded
around 307 BC. Epicurus was an atomic materialist, following in
the steps of Democritus. Epicurus
believed that what he called "pleasure" was the greatest good, but
that the way to attain such pleasure was to live modestly, to gain knowledge of
the workings of the world, and to limit one's desires. This would lead one to
attain a state of tranquility (ataraxia) and freedom
from fear as well as an absence of bodily pain (aponia). The
combination of these two states constitutes happiness in its highest form.
Although Epicureanism is a form of hedonism insofar
as it declares pleasure to be its sole intrinsic goal, the concept that the
absence of pain and fear constitutes the greatest pleasure, and its advocacy of
a simple life, make it very different from "hedonism" as it is colloquially understood.[1]
Epicurus propounded
an ethic of individual pleasure as the
sole or chief good in life. Hence, Epicurus advocated living in such a way as
to derive the greatest amount of pleasure possible during one's lifetime, yet
doing so moderately in order to avoid the suffering incurred by overindulgence
in such pleasure. The emphasis was placed on pleasures of the mind rather than
on physical pleasures. [2]
Modern Usage And Misconceptions
In modern popular usage, an epicurean is a connoisseur of the
arts of life and the refinements of sensual pleasures; epicureanism implies a love or
knowledgeable enjoyment especially of good food and drink. [3]
Because Epicureanism posits that
pleasure is the ultimate good (telos), it has been commonly misunderstood since
ancient times as a doctrine that advocates the partaking in fleeting pleasures
such as constant partying, sexual excess and decadent food. This is not the
case. Epicurus regarded ataraxia (tranquility,
freedom from fear) and aponia (absence
of pain) as the height of happiness. He also considered prudence an important
virtue and perceived excess and overindulgence to be contrary to the attainment
of ataraxia and aponia.[4]
·
Ethical
Egoism which holds that moral agents ought to do what is in
their own self-interest.
·
Psychological
Egoism which is of the view that that
people can only act in
their own self-interest
·
Rational
Egoism which claims that it is rational to act in one's
self-interest.
Egoism is a form of Individualism (an outlook that stresses
human independence and
the importance of individual self-reliance and liberty), and can be the philosophical
basis for support for some forms of Libertarianism or Anarchism (political positions based
partly on a belief that individuals should not coercively prevent others from
exercising freedom of action).[5]
Individual
Egoism holds
that all people should
do whatever benefits the individual. Personal Egoism holds that the individual should act in his own self-interest, but makes no claims about what anyone else ought to do. Universal Egoism holds that everyone should act in ways that
are in their own interest.[6]
Egoism contrasts with ethical Altruism, which holds that moral agents have
an ethical obligation to help or
serve others. However, it should be noted that Egoism does not
actually require moral
agents to disregard or oppose the well-being of others;
it merely holds that satisfying the self-interest of the agent is the prime consideration - the action
may turn out to be incidentally detrimental to, beneficial to, or neutral in its effect on, others.
It may sometimes be necessary to sacrifice one's short-term self-interest in order to maximize one's long-term self-interest.[7]
Thomas
Jefferson maintain
that one can owe no duties to
oneself, because obligation requires two parties, and therefore Egoism is by definition a type
of immorality, not
morality.
Most religions hold that Egoism is the product of a lack of genuine spirituality, and
shows an individual's submersion in greed and selfishness.[8]
Therefore
the difference between act and rule utilitarianism, is that rule utilitarianism
is based on rules and following the rules, even if it does not produce the
greatest pleasure for the greatest number, as telling the truth instead of
lying is good for everyone. Also rule utilitarianism believes that there are 2
types of pleasures, which are higher and lower, and everyone should aim for
higher pleasure ‘ as it is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a
satisfied pig.’ However in act utilitarianism, Jeremy believed it is best to
produce the ‘greatest good for the greatest number’ by weighing up the pleasure
and pain using the hedonic calculus as it would help on deciding what act to do
in order to lead to maximum goodness. In rule utilitarianism they believe that
people should follow the moral rules as it is for all good, however in act
utilitarianism they believe that the act itself determines whether it is right
or wrong, however it is the consequence which does so.
http://www.markedbyteachers.com/as-and-a-level/religious-studies-and-philosophy/explain-the-difference-between-act-and-rule-utilitarianism.html
Utilitarianism is
described as being either an act or a rule. Act utilitarianism was devised by
Jeremy Bentham which he believed human beings were motivated by pleasure and
pain and therefore they may do anything which brings out ‘the greatest good for
the greatest number.’ He believed people must measure their actions by using
the hedonic calculus as it weighs up the pain and pleasure generated by the
available moral actions to find the best possible outcome. However rule
utilitarianism is motivated by rules, unlike act, rule believes that it is not
the consequence which determines whether an act is right or wrong, however it
is the act itself. Mill believed that ‘the well being of the individual was of
greatest importance and that happiness is most effectively gained when the
individual are free to pursue their own ends, subject to the rules that protect
the common good of all’.
the
belief that a morally good action is one that helps the greatest number of
people
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utilitarianism
[1] Wikipedia,
The Free Encyclopedia, Epicureans. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicureanism. last modified on 24 January 2017
[2] Wikipedia,
The Free Encyclopedia, Epicureans. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicureanism. last modified on 24 January 2017
[4] Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,
Epicureans. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicureanism. last modified on 24 January 2017
[6] ibid
[7] ibid
[8] ibid
Comments
Post a Comment