PHIL 111 Lecture Notes - Ataraxia, Epicurus
25 Apr 2013
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Document Summary
One of three letters that has survived through antiquity. Advice from a friend to another as to his views on how to live a good life. Famous for the argument that death is not to be feared. Commonly interpreted that death is a terrible thing. Fear death because it will be bad for us to die. We don"t want to die for our own sakes: we have something to lose. Once we die: we will achieve what the greeks called ataraxia. State of mind free of distress and worry. Process of dying is difficult but actually state of dead is nothing to fear. Being dead is not hanging around lacking the ability to interact. The subject is removed therefore death cannot affect anyone. Cannot be a setback for those who have died as nothing can be good nor bad for them. The only things in life that can be good or bad in life have to do with experimental goods.
