Epicureanism (Noun)
Meaning
A doctrine of hedonism that was defended by several ancient Greek philosophers.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- Epicureanism teaches that the goal of human life is to attain happiness and fulfillment by the cultivation of moderate desires.
- The philosopher's arguments in favor of epicureanism were centered on the idea that pleasure and pain are the fundamental motivations of human action.
- Critics of epicureanism have long argued that it promotes a self-centered and morally corrupt way of life.
- Despite these criticisms, epicureanism has had a lasting influence on Western philosophical thought, particularly in the areas of ethics and moral philosophy.
- The garden of Epicurus in Athens was a center of epicureanism, where followers of the philosophy would gather to discuss and debate its principles.