Cynics- This term derives from the Greek work "kunos" which means "dog-like." Early Cynics e.g. Diogenes were ANTI-SOCIAL:
1. The world (everything external) is evil so withdraw from it. Flouting convention, they lived like stray dogs.
2. Unlike Seneca, they lived the life that they preached.
Epicureans- Founded by Epicurus (341-270 BCE). In 306 Epicurus established a school, The Garden, in Athens. This school was essentially a community of men, women and children.
a. They were Egoistic Hedonists (egoism meaning individual rather than the group and hedonism referring to moral theories which argue pleasure/happiness is the highest good.) Lasting pleasure is greater than momentary pleasure, specifically the pleasure of the mind is best.
b. They were Atomists, the belief that everything is made up of atoms in constant motion. When an organism dies the atoms disintegrate and re-form in other ways. At the human Level, the soul atoms disintegrate with death.
c. Utilitarian approach on moral choices. (What is best for the most people is the best option.)
d. Epicurus wanted to eliminate the fear of death by denying any possibility of survival and any possible punishment after death.
e. The Gods have no active role in human affairs but their existence was not denied.
Skepticism- Founded by Pyrrho of Elis (361-270 BCE). This was in the Academy and they became the representatives.
a. EVERY image has a mirror image counter-argument of equal strength and there is NO CRITERION OF TRUTH. Therefore, one ought to suspend judgment. This leads to genuine happiness.
b. Doubted all assertions or conclusions regarding truth and knowledge.
c. Living one's life unattached to beliefs is the way to happiness or equanimity (ataraxia)
d. Do not participate in the art of believing
Stoics- Zeno (4th century BCE) was the founder of this. Heavily influenced by Socrates. Taught from a porch called a stoa, hence the name. Sought happiness not through pleasure but through accepting misfortune with dignified resignation
Five principles of Stoicism:
1. Human happiness is attained by living according to nature or following the rational law of our being.
2. Control of the Inner Self is primary, called apatheia, meaning one is a masterof, instead of a slave to, one's emotions. This allows indifference to be affected by external circumstances.
3. Duty to others- family, friends, slaves, the state, world is central and these duties require compassion, justice, tolerance and active help. But they are not revolutionaries by any means.
4. Humans are seen as inherently social/reasoning creatures. Natural Law = the idea of universal moral principles that are inherent in reason itself. All people have this.
5. All events are a network of cause/effect which has interpreted as benevolent unfolding of divine purpose. Humans have little power to change vents but do have the power to change attitudes and behavior.
realism cynicism skepticism pragmatism
Political cynicism is recognized as an important political sentiment. Cynicism is an inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest, and skepticism.
a 'dog' is a symbol of cynicism in Greek culture
Cynicism is, essentially, a cynical remark. An example sentence would be: Her cynicism gets annoying after a while of talking to her.
Social cynicism refers to the distrust people have toward professed social values. People who have social cynicism do not have high expectations concerning society.
cynicism, skepticism, stoicism, and epicurean-ism.
Answer this question…How were epicureanism and stoicism similar?
Both of the stoicism and epicureanism want human happiness with out pain
Epicureanism and Stoicism both offer philosophical approaches to leading a good life. However, they differ in their views on pleasure and pain. Epicureanism emphasizes seeking pleasure and avoiding pain to achieve happiness, while Stoicism promotes tranquility and acceptance of what is beyond our control to find peace of mind.
It attracted widespread support in Rome,as a major line of thought and so, like others such as Platonism, Cynicism, Epicureanism and Sophism, it is part of the historical basis underlying modern philosophical thought.
realism cynicism skepticism pragmatism
Stoicism and Epicureanism
Political cynicism is recognized as an important political sentiment. Cynicism is an inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest, and skepticism.
cynicism, disbelief, doubt, incredulity, uncertainty, suspicion, distrust.
When Greeks spread throughout the near east they took their gods with them
Stoicism is, at its heart, unconditional trust in the gods and the perfect harmony of nature, so the opposite would be Epicureanism. Epicureans believed that the gods didn't concern themselves with human life and had no influence in the physical world.
The Hellenistic period was an important period for Western philosophy. Some of the major philosophies of the period were Pythagoreanism, Platonism, Cynicism, Stoicism, Sophism, and Pyrrhonism.