Epicurus and His Philosophy pdf epub mobi txt 电子书 下载 2026

简体网页||繁体网页

☆☆☆☆☆

出版者:

作者:DeWitt, Norman Wentworth

出品人:

页数:388

译者:

出版时间:1954-1

价格:$ 67.80

装帧:

isbn号码:9780816657452

丛书系列:

图书标签:

• Epicurus
• Philosophy
• Ancient Philosophy
• Hedonism
• Ethics
• Happiness
• Materialism
• Atomism
• Greco-Roman Philosophy
• Self-Sufficiency

Epicurus and His Philosophy This book embarks on a profound exploration of Epicurus, not merely as a historical figure, but as a philosopher whose ideas continue to resonate with enduring relevance. It delves into the core tenets of his philosophy, weaving a narrative that illuminates his radical approach to human happiness and the good life. Far from presenting a dry academic treatise, this work strives to capture the essence of Epicurean thought through meticulous research and engaging prose, inviting readers to contemplate their own existence and aspirations in light of ancient wisdom. The narrative begins by situating Epicurus within his historical and intellectual context. We are transported to the bustling, vibrant, and often turbulent world of ancient Greece, specifically the Hellenistic period. This was an era of immense change, marked by the decline of the city-state and the rise of vast empires. In such a climate, traditional certainties were shaken, and individuals grappled with profound questions about meaning, purpose, and how to navigate a complex and unpredictable world. It was against this backdrop that Epicurus founded his school, the Garden, a place of learning and community that stood in stark contrast to the more formal Lyceum and Academy. The book meticulously reconstructs the social and intellectual milieu of Athens, highlighting the intellectual currents that influenced Epicurus and the challenges he sought to address. We examine the prevailing philosophical schools of his time, such as Platonism and Aristotelianism, and understand how Epicureanism emerged as a distinct and often controversial alternative. Central to the book’s investigation is Epicurus’s revolutionary understanding of pleasure. The very word "Epicurean" has, for centuries, been subject to misinterpretation, often conflated with unrestrained indulgence. This work sets out to rectify that misconception, unveiling the nuanced and sophisticated nature of Epicurean pleasure. It argues that for Epicurus, pleasure is not a fleeting sensory gratification, but rather the absence of pain and suffering in both the body and the mind. This state of serene contentment, known as ataraxia (tranquility of mind) and aponia (absence of bodily pain), is the ultimate goal of human life. The book meticulously dissects the different types of pleasures Epicurus recognized, distinguishing between kinetic pleasures (those associated with movement and active enjoyment) and katastematic pleasures (those associated with a stable and untroubled state). It emphasizes that the latter are of far greater value and sustainability, forming the bedrock of a truly happy life. The text explores how Epicurus advocated for simple, natural pleasures, such as friendship, intellectual pursuits, and a healthy diet, as the most reliable pathways to lasting contentment. The book will offer a detailed examination of his arguments against excessive desires, which he believed inevitably lead to turmoil and dissatisfaction. Beyond the concept of pleasure, the book delves deeply into Epicurus's physics, which served as the philosophical foundation for his ethics. Epicurus was a materialist, believing that the universe is composed solely of atoms and void. This atomic theory, inherited and adapted from Democritus, was not merely a scientific speculation but a crucial tool for liberating individuals from fear and superstition. By explaining all phenomena in terms of the movement and interaction of atoms, Epicurus sought to demystify the cosmos, eliminating the need for divine intervention or supernatural explanations for natural events. The book meticulously explains Epicurus's concept of the "swerve" (clinamen), a slight, random deviation in the motion of atoms, which he introduced to account for free will and prevent a deterministic universe. This discussion is presented not as a purely technical exposition but as a means to understand how Epicurus used his physics to dismantle the fear of gods and the fear of death. The fear of death, in particular, was a primary target of Epicurean philosophy. Epicurus famously argued that death is nothing to us. Since sensation ceases with death, there is no experience of suffering or pain. Therefore, the fear of death is irrational and serves only to rob us of present happiness. The book provides a thorough analysis of this argument, illustrating its profound implications for how we should live our lives. By freeing ourselves from the dread of the afterlife, we can focus our energies on cultivating a fulfilling existence in the here and now. This liberation from existential anxiety is presented as a cornerstone of Epicurean peace of mind. Furthermore, the book dedicates significant attention to Epicurus's views on the gods. In stark contrast to the anthropomorphic deities of traditional Greek religion, who were often depicted as capricious and interventionist, Epicurus proposed that the gods are perfect, blissful beings who exist in a state of perpetual tranquility, entirely indifferent to human affairs. They are not to be feared or appeased, nor do they serve as arbiters of fate. This conception of the divine served to further liberate individuals from the anxieties associated with religious dogma and the fear of divine punishment. The book will meticulously explore the implications of this radical theological stance for ethical living. Friendship occupies a central and elevated position in Epicurean ethics. For Epicurus, friendship was not merely a pleasant addition to life, but an essential component of happiness. The book will explore his eloquent praise of friendship as a source of security, mutual support, and shared joy. The Garden itself, with its emphasis on community and shared meals, served as a living testament to the importance of human connection. We will examine how Epicurus viewed friendship as a natural inclination, a voluntary association that fosters a sense of belonging and contributes to the overall well-being of its members. The book will differentiate Epicurean friendship from mere utility or transactional relationships, highlighting its intrinsic value and its role in mitigating life's inevitable challenges. The book also undertakes a rigorous examination of Epicurus's political philosophy, or rather, his nuanced approach to public life. While not advocating for complete withdrawal from society, Epicurus famously advised his followers to "live unknown" (lathe biosas). This principle, often misunderstood as misanthropy, is presented here as a strategic choice aimed at minimizing the risks and anxieties associated with political ambition and public life. The book will explore the practical wisdom behind this advice, arguing that true happiness is more readily found in private life, among friends, and free from the pressures and machinations of the public arena. However, the work will also explore the boundaries of this advice, acknowledging Epicurus's engagement in founding and leading his school, suggesting that his approach to public life was more about prudent engagement than outright rejection. The book further investigates Epicurus's emphasis on the cultivation of reason and critical thinking. For Epicurus, the ability to discern true pleasures from false ones, to understand the nature of the universe, and to overcome irrational fears all depended on the development of sound judgment. This involves engaging in philosophical inquiry, reflecting on one's desires, and employing reason to guide one's actions. The book will explore the practical exercises and mental discipline that Epicurus recommended to achieve this state of rational clarity. Finally, the book concludes by reflecting on the enduring legacy of Epicurus and his philosophy. It argues that Epicureanism, far from being an antiquated doctrine, offers a timeless framework for navigating the complexities of modern life. In an era characterized by consumerism, social media, and constant stimulation, the Epicurean emphasis on simple pleasures, mental tranquility, and the importance of genuine human connection holds profound contemporary relevance. The work will encourage readers to reconsider their own values and priorities, offering Epicureanism not as a rigid dogma, but as a wise and compassionate guide to living a life rich in contentment and free from unnecessary suffering. The book aims to be a compelling and accessible introduction to one of history's most misunderstood yet profoundly influential thinkers, inviting readers to discover the enduring wisdom of Epicurus and his path to a flourishing life.

评分☆☆☆☆☆

评分☆☆☆☆☆

评分☆☆☆☆☆

评分☆☆☆☆☆

评分☆☆☆☆☆

评分☆☆☆☆☆

评分☆☆☆☆☆

评分☆☆☆☆☆

评分☆☆☆☆☆

评分☆☆☆☆☆