The Philosophy of Friendship: A Study of Epicurean Thought
Table of contents
The Philosophy of Friendship: A Study of Epicurean Thought
Overview
Friendship is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been explored by philosophers throughout history. In this study, we will examine the views on friendship held by Epicurus, a Greek philosopher who founded the Epicurean school in the 3rd century BCE. According to Epicurus, the safest of social pleasures is indeed friendship, but he also maintains that all men pursue only their own pleasure, sometimes wisely and sometimes unwisely.
Context
The concept of friendship has been debated by philosophers from ancient times to the present day. In the Western philosophical tradition, Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics (350 BCE) explores the nature of friendships, while Plato’s Symposium (385-370 BCE) examines the ideal form of love and friendship. The Epicureans, however, developed a unique perspective on friendship that emphasized its role in achieving happiness and avoiding pain.
Timeline
- 3rd century BCE: Epicurus founds the Epicurean school in Athens.
- 350 BCE: Aristotle writes Nicomachean Ethics, which explores the nature of friendships.
- 385-370 BCE: Plato writes Symposium, which examines the ideal form of love and friendship.
- 1st century CE: The Roman statesman Cicero translates Epicurus’ works into Latin, introducing his ideas to a wider audience.
- 18th century CE: Jeremy Bentham develops Utilitarianism, a philosophical theory that emphasizes maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain.
Key Terms and Concepts
Eudaimonia
In the context of Epicurean philosophy, eudaimonia refers to happiness or living well. It is the ultimate goal of human life, achieved through the pursuit of virtue and the avoidance of physical pain.
Ataraxia
Ataraxia is a state of freedom from mental distress or anxiety. Epicurus believed that ataraxia was essential for achieving eudaimonia, as it allowed individuals to focus on their own happiness rather than worrying about external factors.
Philia
Philia is a type of friendship that is based on mutual affection and respect. Epicurus considered philia to be the safest form of social pleasure, as it provided companionship and support without excessive emotional attachment.
Oikeiosis
Oikeiosis refers to the process of making something one’s own or familiar. In the context of friendship, oikeiosis involves becoming comfortable with others and forming a sense of belonging.
Hedone
Hedone is a Greek term for pleasure. Epicurus believed that all human actions were motivated by hedone, but he also argued that some forms of hedone were more desirable than others.
Key Figures and Groups
Epicurus (341-270 BCE)
Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who founded the Epicurean school in Athens. He is best known for his ideas on the nature of pleasure, pain, and friendship.
Cicero (106-43 BCE)
Cicero was a Roman statesman and philosopher who translated Epicurus’ works into Latin. He played an important role in introducing Epicurean thought to a wider audience.
Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832 CE)
Bentham was a British philosopher who developed the theory of Utilitarianism, which emphasizes maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain. His ideas on utilitarianism have been influential in shaping modern Western philosophy.
Mechanisms and Processes
Epicurus’ views on friendship can be broken down into several key steps:
- Pleasure: All human actions are motivated by pleasure.
- Hedone: Some forms of hedone are more desirable than others (e.g., ataraxia vs. physical pain).
- Philia: Philia is a safe and desirable form of social pleasure.
- Oikeiosis: Forming relationships with others through oikeiosis leads to philia.
- Eudaimonia: Achieving eudaimonia (happiness) requires cultivating friendships based on philia.
Deep Background
The Epicurean school developed in the context of ancient Greek philosophy, which emphasized the pursuit of virtue and the avoidance of physical pain. The Epicureans drew on a range of sources, including Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics and Plato’s Symposium. They also engaged with other philosophical schools, such as Stoicism and Skepticism.
Explanation and Importance
Epicurus’ views on friendship are important because they highlight the role of relationships in achieving happiness and avoiding pain. By emphasizing the importance of philia, Epicurus provided a unique perspective on the nature of human connection and social pleasure. His ideas continue to influence modern thought on friendship, love, and relationships.
Comparative Insight
In contrast to Aristotle’s views on friendship in Nicomachean Ethics (350 BCE), Epicurus emphasizes the importance of pleasure and ataraxia in achieving happiness. While Aristotle argues that friendships based on virtue are superior to those based on utility, Epicurus suggests that philia is a safe and desirable form of social pleasure.
Extended Analysis
The Relationship between Pleasure and Friendship
Epicurus’ views on friendship are closely tied to his ideas on pleasure and ataraxia. He argues that all human actions are motivated by hedone, but he also believes that some forms of hedone are more desirable than others (e.g., ataraxia vs. physical pain). This raises questions about the relationship between pleasure and friendship: is it possible to cultivate friendships based on philia without being motivated by pleasure?
The Importance of Oikeiosis in Friendship
Epicurus’ concept of oikeiosis highlights the importance of becoming comfortable with others and forming a sense of belonging. But what does this mean in practice? How can individuals cultivate oikeiosis in their relationships, and what are the benefits of doing so?
The Tension between Theory and Practice
Epicurus is often criticized for being inconsistent in his views on friendship. While he argues that all men pursue only their own pleasure, sometimes wisely and sometimes unwisely, he also claims to have cultivated friendships based on philia without regard for what he got out of them. This raises questions about the tension between theory and practice: can individuals apply Epicurus’ ideas on friendship in a consistent way, or are they doomed to be inconsistent?
The Legacy of Epicurean Thought
Epicurus’ views on friendship have had a lasting impact on Western philosophy. His emphasis on pleasure, ataraxia, and philia has influenced thinkers from Cicero to Bentham. But what does this legacy mean for modern thought on friendship, love, and relationships?
Quiz
Open Thinking Questions
• What are the implications of Epicurus’ views on friendship for modern thought on relationships? • How can individuals cultivate friendships based on philia without being motivated by pleasure? • In what ways does Epicurus’ emphasis on ataraxia and hedone influence his views on friendship?
Conclusion
Epicurus’ views on friendship are a complex and multifaceted concept that emphasizes the importance of philia, oikeiosis, and ataraxia. By examining the mechanisms and processes underlying Epicurean thought, we can gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between pleasure, friendship, and happiness.