Reflections Upon Three Philosophers, Past to Present essays

Reflections Upon Three Philosophers, Past to Present essays Epicurus (341-270 BCE) was among the first of the great hedonists in the time of Ancient Greece. Epicurus argued that pleasure is fundamental in experiencing a "good life", that the best life is one that is as pleasant as can be, and that "each individual ought to maximize his or her own pleasure." To obtain this, Epicurus encouraged that individuals seek moderation and prudence in all things, acting justly and honorably, seeking pleasure over pain, and pursuing simplicity. Epicurus also believed that, at times, it is appropriate to sacrifice some current pleasures for greater pleasures. He advocates that we stay away from pain and harm in our lives, and Epicurus talks of humankind's false beliefs in death. According to Epicurus, "something can harm us only if it causes negative sensations". In his view, when you are dead you are incapable of feeling any kind of sensation, therefore death cannot harm the dead. So since death cannot harm us once we are dead, it is "foolish to fear death while we are still living." Instead, we should seek freedom from as much pain and fear as we possibly can. There are three types of desire laid out to us by Epicurus: Natural and Necessary, Natural and Unnecessary, and Vain. Unlike Epicurus who focused on Natural and Necessary desires such as basic food, water, shelter, and companionship, in today's society many would rather obtain Natural and Unnecessary pleasures like money, huge houses, multiple sex partners, and alcohol. There are some Epicurean points that don't stand up very well to scrutiny. In Epicurus' thinking, one should maximize as much pleasure as one can, while staying away from pain. Some pleasures, however, are indeed worth the pain you must go through, and for some, to be able to maximize pleasure you must go through pain at some point. That is, in fact, what adds to the pleasure. For example, for four to five months a young athlete may work e...