Where are we in philosophy? We are in contemporary philosophy - that would be what our current period beginning at the early 20th century is named. And we are in the phase of analytic and continental philosophy, and the start of philosophy as a profession.
I wonder what the over-arching principles are for the way we are functioning culturally, socially and politically.
What has got me wondering about this? Yesterday, the CBC radio's mid-afternoon program outlined the philosophical origins of hedonism. They are in Ancient Greece where the investigation focused on this premise: what is pleasurable is morally good and what is painful is morally evil. By dealing with this basic question, the philosophical school became associated with excessive pleasurable pursuit.
Epicurus lived between 341-270 BC, and contributed to that philosophical field. He founded the school of philosophy named Epicureanism. Today we know the expression epicurean as it relates to food. Like hedonism, his name became associated with excess pleasure. An Epicurean is defined as a person who is dedicated to sensual enjoyment or fond of or adapted to luxury or indulgence in sensual pleasures, especially in eating and drinking.
That link happened even though his teachings promoted living a simple life and eating simple food. He thought that the goal is to attain a happy, tranquil life that was free from fear and absent of pain. To do this people should live a self-sufficient life surrounded by friends. He encouraged simple meals along with simple living.
He is with us today, and I find him referenced quite a bit:
"I imagine Epicurus would see far more consumption than necessary in my own American life and too little self-discipline."
"Do you see the ‘pursuit of happiness’ as a tough research project and kick yourself when you’re glum? You’re Epicurean."
