ShopDreamUp AI ArtDreamUp
Deviation Actions
Comprehensive Epicurus
Epicurus (341 – 270 BC)
Many people use the “Epicurean” label to represent a life of luxury and sensual pleasure. They couldn't be more wrong. Epicureanism actually represents moderation and avoidance of things that are painful, such as romantic love. What follows is a further exploration of the Epicurean doctrines.
Epicureansim began in 307 BC and flourished until 529, when Roman Emperor Justinian closed down what remained of the four Athenian philosophical schools, including the Epicurean Garden.
The main crux of Epicurus' philosophy is living to maximize pleasure, minimize pain (and have an attitude of gratitude!
Epictetus and Stoic Philosophy
Epictetus (AD 55–AD 135) was one of the preeminent Stoic philosophers. Born as a slave, his master was so impressed by him that he sent him to Rome to study. He taught in Rome until A.D. 94, when the emperor Domitian banished him (he was threatened by the growing influence of philosophers). He spent the rest of his life in exile, and subsequently established a school and lectured. Marcus Aurelius was one of his students. The philosophy we have from Epictetus was taken from lecture notes by one of his students, as he did not write for publication. What follows is a discussion of Stoic philosophy and the teachings of Epictetus.
[F
On The Shortness Of Life
Issue 6: On the Shortness of Life –
Lucius Annacus Seneca (c. 5 BC – AD
65)
In his writings called On the Shortness
of Life, Seneca discusses the principles
by which he believes a person can live
a long life. The book is full of tidbits,
some obvious, others not so obvious,
but helpful all the same.
Seneca was banished to Corsica on a
charge of adultery with Caligula's
sister. He was a teacher to emperor
Nero, who later ordered that he
commit suicide because of a suspicion
that Seneca was involved in a plot to
assassinate him. In his writings,
Seneca claimed freedom for himself
even while in exile, as he still had his
studies
Easy Thing You Can Do For The Group
I would like every member to submit to me in the form of a note a question you would like to hear other members' answers to. We've got to kick start this group. This way, it alleviates the pressure of writing a long entry since we're all busy, I know. I will keep the questions anonymous. I want to stimulate group discussion. Your questions can be about anything which involves the examination of life.
Examples:
For you, what is the meaning of life?
Do you believe in morals? If so, where do you get your moral code? If not, why do you not believe in them?
Answers don't have to be long, and you don't have to come up with the perfect, de
Featured in Groups
© 2010 - 2024 Talk-Philosophy
Comments11
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
"Are humans good or evil? Why/why not?"
My conclusion is that humans are evil (which is not to say that they are incapable of involvement in good) and my reasoning is as follows...
First, we dispose of the concept of relative morality (which is self-refuting) and turn to an objective moral authority.
Proposition 1: A relative conception of morality (including evil) which comes from mankind is self-refuting.
Proposition 2: Nature cannot generate or provide a conception of morality.
Proposition 3: An objective morality (including evil) cannot come from a person or group of persons.
Conclusion 1: For a rational moral philosophy one must turn to the maker of mankind and nature, God. (I would argue from here specifically for the Christian God.)
Then we learn our connection to that moral authority, His views, and our history with Him.
Premise 1: Mankind was made perfect, by a perfect being.
Premise 2: Mankind was to live with gratitude, humility, and obedience to one law; "Do not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil".
Premise 3: Man turned on his maker, disobeyed, and was corrupted by that decision against the very perfection of God.
Conclusion 2: Having turned against our perfect maker, we have been corrupted and now pass it on to each generation.
Lastly, we put it together for a final conclusion to the question.
Premise c1: For a rational moral philosophy one must turn to God. (I would argue from here specifically for the Christian God.)
Premise c2: Having turned against our perfect maker, we have been corrupted and now pass that corruption on to each generation.
Conclusion 3: Mankind is aware of and even desires evil, which is well defined as those things which are opposing God's nature and decrees.
Not the happiest of conclusions, but that isn't the goal.
Grace and peace,
Day
Romans 7:24-25
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
My conclusion is that humans are evil (which is not to say that they are incapable of involvement in good) and my reasoning is as follows...
First, we dispose of the concept of relative morality (which is self-refuting) and turn to an objective moral authority.
Proposition 1: A relative conception of morality (including evil) which comes from mankind is self-refuting.
Proposition 2: Nature cannot generate or provide a conception of morality.
Proposition 3: An objective morality (including evil) cannot come from a person or group of persons.
Conclusion 1: For a rational moral philosophy one must turn to the maker of mankind and nature, God. (I would argue from here specifically for the Christian God.)
Then we learn our connection to that moral authority, His views, and our history with Him.
Premise 1: Mankind was made perfect, by a perfect being.
Premise 2: Mankind was to live with gratitude, humility, and obedience to one law; "Do not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil".
Premise 3: Man turned on his maker, disobeyed, and was corrupted by that decision against the very perfection of God.
Conclusion 2: Having turned against our perfect maker, we have been corrupted and now pass it on to each generation.
Lastly, we put it together for a final conclusion to the question.
Premise c1: For a rational moral philosophy one must turn to God. (I would argue from here specifically for the Christian God.)
Premise c2: Having turned against our perfect maker, we have been corrupted and now pass that corruption on to each generation.
Conclusion 3: Mankind is aware of and even desires evil, which is well defined as those things which are opposing God's nature and decrees.
Not the happiest of conclusions, but that isn't the goal.
Grace and peace,
Day
Romans 7:24-25
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!