Question

Please provide a thorough answer.

Western civilization.

Q. In what ways were Stoicism and Epicureanism a response to cosmopolitanism and the breakdown of traditional societal values?

Answer 1

Stoicism refers to tolerating pain without complaint about it. Thus, of there is no pain, there is no gain which could otherwise be interpreted as pain is party and parcel of human life, so enduring it without complaining about it much would keep oneself peaceful and happy. Epicureanism on the other hand purposes that people should experience moderate pleasure in order to attain tranquility in life but at the same time suggests that it's also the absence of pain, exactly the opposite. It would mean that people should live in such a way that they do not go through painful episodes.
Both the philosophies have shaped our value system and act as the guiding light. Today, when we look at people who work hard enduring all the hardships in different places such as family, society and job have understood that there is no gain without suffering or undergoing some painful events, experiences, people etc. We value people who work hard, we respect people who ensure hardships and become successful. We teach our children to ensure pain to achieve whatever they dream of. Epicureanism suggest people to enjoy life without bringing pain in the process thus the individual freedom and materialistic culture shape the society and how people perceive the world and people outside. The whole world is running to find pleasure from different areas.