Epikurolaiset

Epikurolaiset were a philosophical school founded by the Greek philosopher Epicurus in the 4th century BCE. They are often referred to as Epicureans, derived from Epicurus' name. The school is known for its materialistic and hedonistic views, which emphasize the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain as the highest good. Epikurolaiset believe that pleasure is not merely physical sensation but also includes intellectual pleasure and the absence of pain. They advocate for a simple and natural lifestyle, rejecting the extravagance and excess of other philosophical schools. The Epikurolaiset also emphasize the importance of friendship and the cultivation of virtue. Their philosophy is based on the idea that the universe is governed by natural laws and that humans should live in accordance with these laws. They believe that the gods, if they exist, are indifferent to human affairs and do not intervene in the world. The Epikurolaiset are known for their skepticism towards the supernatural and their focus on the here and now. Their philosophy has had a significant influence on Western thought, particularly in the areas of ethics and epistemology.