The Basic Points of the Philosophy of Epicurus and the Stoics
Abstract
This article provides a comparative analysis of the two dominant philosophical schools of the Hellenistic period: Epicureanism and Stoicism. The author situates these philosophies within the historical context of the transition from the city-state (polis) to the vast Empire, which shifted the philosophical focus from social collective happiness to individual "philosophical psychology" and the search for personal eudaimonia (happiness). The study details the Epicurean pursuit of ataraxia (inner peace) through the prudent management of pleasures and the avoidance of pain, alongside the Stoic emphasis on living according to nature, fulfilling one's duty (kathekon), and achieving apatheia (freedom from passion). By examining their views on ethics, logic, and physics, the paper illustrates how both schools aimed to provide a shield against the insecurity of a changing world, ultimately seeking to lead the individual toward a state of divine-like tranquility and harmony with the universe.
Article Details
- How to Cite
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Vagena, D. (2020). The Basic Points of the Philosophy of Epicurus and the Stoics . Ηθική. Περιοδικό φιλοσοφίας, (11), 11–20. https://doi.org/10.12681/ethiki.22756
- Issue
- No. 11 (2017)
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- Articles
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