Epicureanism (A History of Western Thought 18)

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This is a continuation of the History of Western Thought series in which we overview the most important philosophers of the Western world. As move now move from the Greek into the Roman era, we begin discussing some of the schools of thought beyond Aristotle with Epicureanism.

[@redeemedzoomer6053]

The continuation of this series really is a "dad came back with the milk" moment

[@aiscribe]

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[@sharqueeshajohnalaneesha2019]

I own a book called “On the Nature of Things” by Lucretius. It’s a long poem explaining Epicurean thought. Long stanzas about the existance of atoms, the eternity of reality, dreams, and iirc a material explaination of the soul. Very interesting stuff.

[@collettewhitney2141]

@dr Jordan another amazing prestige video long time no see as always though provoking content god bless 🙏

[@BenB23.]

Glad to see you bringing this series back!

[@bradleymarshall5489]

I don’t think there’s a pre-enlightenment philosophy that more represents modern man and was more destructive. Hobbesian conception of government, mechanistic/materialist conception of reality, utilitarian approach to morality, and an obsession with pain all has roots with the Epicureans

[@DrJordanBCooper]

For sure.

[@user-cz8gi2om3n]

True, though keep in mind Hobbes wrote shortly after the brutal and bloody English civil war and was looking for a way to reduce religious violence. His, and others' at the time was to argue that religion is a matter of opinion, not knowledge, and so the state should focus on material security and prosperity rather than the salvation and perfection of souls (an idea taken up by the American founders). We can argue that his solution was mistaken and myopic, but it wasn't unreasonable given the information available to him.

[@bradleymarshall5489]

​@@user-cz8gi2om3n true, but he was also the first to conceive of the Modern State which has objectively resulted in far more death and wars than anything Hobbes was criticizing. Also i don't think the American founders thought quite the way you're thinking (unless you reduce them down to the big 6)

[@bradleymarshall5489]

@@user-cz8gi2om3n I mean I wasn't just saying that. Hobbes himself was highly influenced by the Epicureans and was recognized as one by thinkers of his time like Vico and Hume. I also think you may be getting the American founders wrong

[@user-cz8gi2om3n]

@@bradleymarshall5489 he definitely was influenced by epicurus, I was just commenting on the claim that his influence was disastrous. Jefferson's phrase "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" comes directly from Locke's "life, liberty, and the pursuit of property". Locke fundamentally agreed with Hobbes' definition of Natural Right, and the state of nature, he merely modified it's practicality.

[@dagwould]

It's 'processes' not 'proceseas'. We only lengthen an e in a plural when the singular word ends in [vowel] then 's' as in hypothesis, or there is a double consonant before the ending, therefore hypothesis singular becomes hypotheses, pron hypoth-o-seas plural.

[@BramNguyen]

Do you think ancient Greek philosophy had a more positive or negative impact on early Christianity?

[@bradleymarshall5489]

Considering many of the Church fathers were Neoplatonist philosophers who converted to Christianity (Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, Hilary of Poitiers, and Augustine) I would argue positive.

[@DrJordanBCooper]

Largely positive I think.