Existentialism and Epicureanism are two philosophies that deal with what it means to be alive. Existentialism focuses on the idea that humans must create meaning in life, while Epicureanism teaches that the best way to find happiness is by living a simple life free from pain and fear. This blog post will explore these two philosophies in more detail and see which one is better suited for you!
Overview of Existentialism
Existentialism is the philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom and choice and the inherent meaninglessness of life. Existentialists believe that humans must create their meaning in life, as there is no intrinsic meaning in the universe. This philosophy is often seen as bleak and depressing, as it leaves individuals responsible for creating their purpose in life. Existentialists often focus on death, freedom, and the human condition.
One of the most famous Existentialists was Jean-Paul Sartre, who said: “existence precedes essence.” This means that humans are not born with a predetermined purpose in life; instead, it is up to each individual to create their meaning.
Overview of Epicureanism
Epicureanism is explained as a philosophy born out of the teaching of Epicurus, who was an ancient Greek philosopher and is the founder of Epicureanism. He was born on the Greek Island of Samos to Athenian parents and founded his philosophy in 307 B.C. Philosophy records show Epicureanism was an opposing force to Platonism, but it later became a challenge to Stoicism. Epicureanism is “a form of hedonism, which declares that pleasure is the only good. Epicureanism says that the absence of pain is the greatest pleasure; it also advocates a simple life. These ideas make it sufficiently different from “hedonism” as it is usually defined” [Source]. Epicureanism means “devotion to pleasure, comfort, and high living, with a certain nicety of style” [Source].
Epicurus believed that the greatest good in life was pleasure. An example of Epicureanism is the saying “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we may die.” This implies that since death is unavoidable, we should live life to the utmost while we can. But one must be cautious so that they do not incur suffering through overindulgence in pleasure.
How Existentialism compares to Epicureanism
Existentialism and Epicureanism are humanistic philosophies that try to explain how people must handle themselves in our world. They believe that the individual is essential in defining his meaning and purpose. A shared view is that the world is full of suffering, so one should tackle this problem. Under existentialism, humans are free to do what they desire, and Epicureanism says they should pursue pleasure to deal with a cruel and cold world.
So, existentialism creates the bedrock of free will, allowing humans to indulge in pleasure to seek a meaningful life. These two can combine to form Epicurean existentialism [Source].
Similarities between Existentialism and Epicureanism
Both existentialism and Epicureanism are humanistic philosophies. Also, they place value on the individual to be able to make wise choices that will enhance their life on earth. Existentialism and Epicureanism can be linked to individualism because only the individual can define his purpose and meaning by doing what they desire. According to these philosophies, individuals are capable of taking control of their life [Source]. A common trait in these two concepts is that the world is cold and cruel and can cause serious suffering to humanity.
Difference between Epicurean and Existentialism
Existentialism states that people find meaning in doing what they want, while Epicureanism urges everyone to pursue pleasure. Epicureanism places importance on one enjoying life to the fullest, while existentialism emphasizes a person finding meaning and purpose in life.
What is Epicureanism in Ethics?
According to Wikipedia, Epicureanism bases its ethics on a hedonistic set of values. ‘Hedonistic’ is devoted to pleasure, so this philosophy sees pleasure as the purpose of life. Epicureans believe that nature influences people to avoid suffering at all costs. Even animals show the idea of running away from painful things [Source]. The moral tenets of Epicureanism include living, loving, and dying. It is against self-denial unless it is used to prevent pain.
What is an Existential Presupposition?
The existential presupposition is the “presupposition that the assumption assumed to be committed to the existence of the entities names by the speaker and assumed to be present in the noun phrase” [Source]. It is also defined as “the assumption of the existence of the entities named by the speaker” [Source]. For example, if a person says ‘Tom’s dog,’ we can presuppose that Tom exists and he has a dog.
