Micro · Individual Stub -307

Epicurean Ataraxia and Atomism

에피쿠로스의 아타락시아와 쾌락주의

A classical Hellenistic philosophy defining pleasure as the highest good, achieved not through hedonistic indulgence, but through freedom from bodily pain (*aponia*) and mental disturbance (*ataraxia*).

Field Philosophy
Level of analysis Micro · Individual
Paradigm Rational Choice
Key figures 👤 Epicurus (에피쿠로스)
Year -307

Key Claims

Epicurus redefined hedonism as the static state of tranquility (ataraxia). By demonstrating via materialist atomism that death is simply the dissolution of atoms (‘where I am, death is not; where death is, I am not’), humans liberate themselves from existential dread and enjoy modest, convivial pleasures.

Further Reading

  • Epicurus. (ca. 300 BC). Letter to Menoeceus and Principal Doctrines.

Related theories 2개

Theories pointing to this one 1개