A philosophically-minded “Lucullus” or an ascetic: the misconception of Epicurean hedonism

Abstract

For Epicurus pleasure is the goal of our life. But not every kind of pleasure. It is a particular kind of pleasure that represents this goal, namely lack of both bodily pain (aponia) and mental distress (ataraxia). But accepting this Epicurean suggestion leads us to the following questions: what kind of life is the Epicurean one? Does Epicurus suggest that we should live an ascetic way of life or that we should enjoy pleasure regardless of its source?

According to my proposal the answer to both these questions is negative. Epicurean attitude towards luxury turns out to be rather different from outright rejection, and a closer examination of this feature of his ethical stance may shed some broader light on his view of pleasure, its relation to desire, and its role in our lives. In order to elaborate this suggestion, I will follow three steps. Firstly, I will present the Epicurean classification of desires. Secondly, I will explain the two mutually exclusive interpretations of the Epicurean attitude towards luxury and simplicity. Thirdly, I will suggest that there is a place for both luxury and simplicity in the life of the Epicurean Sage.