Epicurus’s Philosophy and its Effect on the Philosophy of Education

Abstract

Epicurus, a Greek philosopher (341-270 B.C), represented a philosophy that consisted of three aspects: the theory of knowledge, nature and ethics.   In the theory of knowledge, Epicurus believed that man gets knowledge through the senses. The sensory knowledge is correct and aims to reach the truth that leads us to happiness.

In nature, Epicurus believed that the universe consists of atoms and space. According to Epicurus, the science of nature aims to discover the natural laws that explain natural phenomena such as thunder, light and earthquakes to liberate man from the fear of them. He considered that the self consists of atoms that perish with the annihilation of the body, so there is no fear of death because when death comes, we don’t exist, and when we exist, there is no death. He considered that God is good and doesn’t get involved in the affairs of humans. He denied the presence of divine grace. Epicurus’ theory of ethics is based on pleasure, pleasure is good and pain is evil. He divided pleasures into three categories:

• Natural and necessary pleasures such as food and drink.
• Natural but unnecessary pleasures such as extravagant food and drink.
• Unnatural and unnecessary pleasures such as wealth and positions.

    Epicurus matched pleasure and virtue and asked for soberness and avoidance of politics and positions. He considered friendship the most valuable pleasure, which leads to safety, expels fear and anxiety, and generates a feeling of love.

The philosophy of Epicurus left many effects on the philosophy of education in his time and subsequent eras.