Q What is the difference between Epicureanism and Hedonism?
A
While Epicureanism is technically a form of hedonism because it views pleasure as the highest good, it differs drastically from raw or modern hedonism:
* Raw Hedonism (e.g. Cyrenaicism): Advocates for the aggressive pursuit of immediate, intense, and short-term physical pleasures (like overeating or reckless partying), regardless of the consequences.
* Epicureanism: Champions prudent, long-term mental peace. Epicurus taught that overindulgence leads to intense physical suffering and mental anxiety later on, preferring simple food, moderate living, and intellectual calmness over extravagant luxuries.
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What is Epicureanism?Epicureanism got its name from Epicurus and was one of the major philosophies of ancient Greece, with many philosophies still relevant today. Epicurus taught his followers from his school known as, "The Garden" around 300 BC. The goals of Epicureanism are that we should find happiness and become content with life in the here and now, and reject concepts that deal with gods or ideas of heaven and the afterlife.