In: Psychology
5) The greek term “ataraxia” plays a fairly central role in Hellenistic and Roman philosophical thought after Aristotle. What does this term mean, and how does it feature in the Epicurean, Stoic, and Skeptical schools of thought we have encountered?
Ataraxia- The term can be defined as a state of serene calmness. It was first used by Pyrrho. In very simple words it can be defined as a state which is lucid in nature and is filled with equanimity .This equanimity can be defined as freedom from distress and all types of worries.
Now let us discuss the terms in relation with three schools.
Epicurean - It is the vital element of epicurean concept of highest good .The understanding of pleasure in Epicurean philosophy comes from Ataraxia. As we know in Epicurean school the pleasures are divided in two parts: physical and mental . Mental pleasures are the high level pleasures because they have their existence in past , present and future Similarly they divided pleasures in two more types Kinetic and kastemietic . Katastematic pleasure is the result of less disturbance which is both physical and mental. The absence of physical disturbances is known as the state of Aponia. According to their point of view in order to experience the highest form of pleasure a person should be in both states that are Aponia and Ataraxia.
Stoic-In stoicism Ataraxia is not considered the highest pleasure or we can say goal .But if the individual lives with virtues in association with nature then it will result in Ataraxia. In simple words Ataraxia is a by-product. Apatheia is used to reach Ataraxia is stoic philosophy.
Skeptical -Ataraxia is the central pillar of skeptical school .It is vital for Eudaimania which means happiness.It depicts the ultimate purpose of life .In skeptical school ataraxia is achieved through suspending all the judgments . This is known as epoche.According to this school Ataraxia is a state which is tranquill and troubles in nature .It is the condition which is related to the soul.