Epicureans

Epicureans are adherents of Epicurus, a Greek philosopher who founded Epicureanism in the early 3rd century BCE in Athens. The school, known as The Garden, promoted a philosophy aimed at achieving happiness through the elimination of pain and fear. The movement spread across the Greek world and into the Roman world, and its adherents continued to influence philosophical and scientific thought for centuries.

Ethics and goal: The aim is ataraxia (tranquility) and aponia (absence of physical pain). Pleasure is natural and necessary, and pleasures should be pursued in moderation; excessive desires produce more pain than happiness. Friendship, simple living, and philosophical contemplation are central to a fulfilled life. Knowledge of nature helps relieve fear of gods and death; the Tetrapharmakos offers practical guidance.

Physics and theology: Epicurus adopted atomism and the void; the soul is material and finite, and death ends sensation. The gods exist but are distant and non-interventionist; fearing them is unnecessary. By understanding the nature of reality, one can reduce fear and live virtuously.

Legacy: Epicureanism declined in late antiquity but influenced later thinkers, including Lucretius, and contributed to secular and scientific naturalism. In modern times, it is sometimes cited as an early form of secular hedonism or utilitarian ethic, though ancient Epicureans emphasized freedom from pain rather than indulgence.