Question

How does Epicurus define pleasure and suffering?

Answer 1

Answer- Epicurus was a Greek philospher who established a school of philosphy known as Epicureanism. According to him, most of the people suffer from damaging beliefs which hide the benefits of getting pleasure. He agreed with Plato and Aristotle that everyone has a desire of happiness. Epicurus defined the happiness or pleasure as," our first and kindred good. It is the starting point of every choice and every aversion, and to it we always come back, in as much as we make feeling the rule by which to judge of every good thing."

Epicurus also defined the causes of unhappiness and suffering. According to him, people believe that they will be punished by God for their bad actions and they are afraid of death. These beliefs lead to fear and anxiety. Epicurus said that pain is important to produce pleasure. According to him, there are necessary and unnecessary desires. Necessary desires produce pleasure whereas unnecessary desires lead to suffering. Epicurus suggested to seek pleasure in our doing and being and not to worry about death or other unchangeable things.