Discussion comparing the views of Epicurus with opposing philosophers and religions.

Philosophical Doctrines can be difficult or impossible to understand without knowledge of the question they are intended to address. Arguments against Pleasure at the time of Epicurus occur in Plato's Philebus, Protarchus, and Gorgias (and other writers) as referenced in Gosling & Taylor's "The Greeks On Pleasure." We can also find evidence of them in later works, such as Cicero's "On Ends." The purpose of this thread is to organize these arguments and discuss the Epicurean response to each.

These Stoics honestly and straightforwardly Epicurus and his philosophy of pleasure as the goal of life.

These Stoics deceptively praise Epicurus personally and certain forms of pleasure (at least at times) but rewrite Epicurean Philosophy in Stoic terms.

Utilitarianism is generally considered to be "the greatest good for the greatest number." This forum is to compare Epicurus with the Utilitarians.

Subforum devoted to distinguishing Epicurus from Existentialism / Nihilism

Use this forum for discussions of people who denounced or opposed Epicurean philosophy.