Does Epicurus advocate that we simply "live for today?
Epicureanism is system of philosophy that educates and trains in the teachings of Epicurus. The scope of this branch of philosophy seeks to explain the purpose of human life, theory of knowledge, description of nature and the theory of evolution. Nonetheless, the theory of philosophies emphasizes on the need to seek modest pleasures and no bodily pain in the struggle to attain happiness and tranquility. Alternatively, Stoicism refers to a school of philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium who emphasized on the correlation between the level of knowledge and tranquility. Consequentially, Epicurus is evident in our today’s life as people live for the pleasures of life regardless of the threat of death and afterlife.
In essay, respond to this question, Why or why not. First part is to know the difference between Ethical Egoism and Psychological egoism .
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Both ethical and psychological egoism postulate that human have a self-interest behind each of their actions. These theories point out the significance of the personal interest in any cascade of events. Nonetheless, it is essential to indicate that the former explains what should be whereas the latter indicates what is. Both theories explain the role of a person’s self interest in any action or decision they undertake. Consequentially, these theories reinforce the adoption of an epicurean lifestyle by people. Thus, it is in the psychological and ethical self-interest for humans to enjoy their life to their best.
Second part is the main source of unhappiness in human life.
Epicurus alternative explanation to the source of both happiness and unhappiness in human life makes sense compared to the school of Stoicism. The latter highlights the importance of knowledge in maintaining peace and improving people’s happiness. However, today’s community is not only filled with educated people but also more conflicts; thus overruling the theory of Stoicism. Nonetheless, with campaigns like YOLO ( Y ou O nly L ive O nce) the application of the Epicurus principles in today’s life is evident. Additionally, people’s happiness is correlated to the presence or absence of luxuries.
References
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2020). Epicurus (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy) . https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/epicurus/