Policism: Epicureanism-Stoicism

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Recommended: Why did these two philosophies stoicism and epicureanism come into being

Samantha Akins
Michael Teske
CLAS RELI305
December 2017
Epicureanism-Stoicism
Among the different philosophical schools there are differing views on the natures of the gods, and since there can essentially be only one truth in this matter, the views are at odds with each other. To establish a background, Epicureanism was founded by Epicurus, a Greek philosopher from 300 B.C. Only small fragments of his work survived, so one of the fullest reliable sources of his Greek philosophical ideas is De Rerum Natura “On the Nature of Things”. Another work that helps establish the ideas of these different schools of beliefs is Nature of the Gods, where Cicero, an academic, discusses this topic with an Epicurean, Velleius, a Stoic, Balbus, and his friend …show more content…

Therefore, the universe consists of matter and empty space. Epicureans believe that matter is composed of extremely small and indivisible particles- this atomic theory comes primarily from the ideas of Democritus and Leucippus, fifth century B.C. philosophers. These inanimate atoms supposedly vary in size and shape, and this helps to account for diversity of objects that arise from their myriad of combinations. According to Lucretius, the point of Epicureanism is to free mankind from a fear of death and the gods, or a tyranny of religion. Another major part in this philosophical system is that the soul is also made of atoms, which disperse at the time of the death of the body- the soul and the body die together. Death brings a state of nothingness and should not be feared. The gods as well should not be feared, because they are immortal beings who reside in interplanetary spaces. They are Anthropomorphic beings, whose atoms are being constantly replenished, meaning that they never die. In this school of thought, gods are completely uninvolved in human affairs and they partake of an ultimate bliss and inner tranquility, which men must imitate. As a result of these beliefs, Epicureans assert the futility of prayer, sacrifices to the gods, etc., and insist that there is no predestination and that prophecy is …show more content…

He tells that the gods possess the immortal form, which Epicureans feel to be the most beautiful form. And while in other schools of philosophy, people fear the consequences and the wrath of the gods, the Epicurean gods do not wish to impose trouble on themselves or others, so that humans may live a carefree and fear-free life. When Cotta hears this, he quickly points out the flaws of Epicureanism, such as that there are flaws in their arguments that gods exist- if these gods live such a life of idleness, why would they need a human body? Secondly, the Epicurean idea that all things are made up of atoms implies that gods are also made of atoms, implying that they have a beginning and an end, thus making them

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