Today's topic: Epicurus! Unfortunately, some of us (me included) did not have the book yet, but we filled in some of our blanks.
We started off by catching each other up on our lives - We're seeming more and more like a group of friends than classmates, which I am quite liking. Things took a bit of a morose turn, but didn't stay that way for long. The introduction to Epicurus involved picturing your own funeral, but it took a twist in that doing that would imply an afterlife - Epicurus's main philosophy was that death is not something to be worried about, as it was outside of all of our possible experience.
On top of that, he preached a simple lifestyle not entirely unlike that of the Buddha. We had rather mixed opinions about it, and Mr Oliver really helped inspire discussion on the topic. This would have to be his only point that I don't entirely agree with, but that's for another time.
Overall, his philosophy relied heavily practical, and that needless worry and fear held no place in our minds, which resonated quite well with my own philosophy. I think he is my favorite philosopher yet, so far.
On Thursday we'll be discussing Cicero in relation to his chapter in Little History, so come with a bit of knowledge on the subject, and maybe even some questions loaded!
How did you feel about Epicurus's general philosophy? Did you agree or disagree with anything? Feel free to reply and, if possible, leave any of your factual or discussion questions.
Signing off,
Jonathan
I liked reading about Epicurus. I thought his view on philosophy was refreshing and not complicated, which is different from many philosophers trying too hard to "philosophize". I agree with his view on living a simple life to be happy and his other key points to living.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to base my questions on Epicurus since I didn't last time...hope that's ok :)
Factual Question: What did Epicurus argue that was a "waste of time and based on bad logic"?
Discussion Question: Does your opinion change when you learn that Epicurus was considered a cult figure?
When reading Epicurus' chapter in LH, I couldn't help but think of the movie 'Wanderlust" with Jennifer Anniston! As a side note, it may not really have anything to do with Epicurus but it is a good (while at some times, a bit innappropriate) movie! Anyways, the description of his cult like following is really interesting. I got the feeling that Epicurus may be the 'hippie' of philosophers. Generally, I think Epicurus' philosophy is great. I do think that a main goal of life should be to focus on happiness, and everyone should strive for that. Although his outlook on death and its similarity to the time before birth is extremely interesting and definitely not a viewpoint that I have ever considered, it is one part of his philosophy that I am not so sure I agree with.
ReplyDeleteEpicurus' philosophy was something I don't think anyone could disagree with him because his philosophy covers the necessities of life. I feel like if you were to disagree it's because simplicity doesn't involve the new iPhone and whatnot.
ReplyDeleteHopefully my book is on the way, Phillips has been destroying me.