author: Olga Rak
Urgency of the research. During the war, the understanding of happiness changed, and the value of life also gave a new form of explanation, so the topic has become even more relevant today. The article is devoted to the analysis of Epicur philosophical views on death, happiness, knowledge and other important topics. In the course of the study, the author elaborates on Epicur arguments as to why death is not evil, as well as his ideas on how to achieve happiness in life.
Target setting. The article reveals that the philosophy of Epicurus offers practical communicative and value-based advice on how to live without fear of death, appreciate life and find joy in simple things. In his philosophical reflections, Epicur emphasizes the importance of a reasonable life, ethics, justice, knowledge and judgment. When studying this problem, we see a significant influence of Epicureism on Ukrainian culture. The author of the article provides examples of the use of Epicurus' ideas in the works of such Ukrainian writers as: Ivan Franko, Lesya Ukrainka and Mykola Khvylovyi.
Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. Scientific research on the philosophical views of Epicur on problematic concepts is presented in the works of famous Ukrainian authors, such as: M. M. Movchan, O. V. Kuleshov, L. S. Kuchera, P. A. Kravchenko, V. L. Petrushenko, M. V. Sinelnikova. We should single out the American classic, scientist-philosopher David Konstan, who studied Epicurean philosophy and his work “Some Aspects of Epicurean Psychology”.
The research objective. Identification of the main points in Epicurean philosophy is the existence of man, the value of life and being, understanding of the basic concepts of “happiness”, “pleasure”, “fear”, “suffering”, etc. The philosopher emphasises that the best way to achieve happiness and satisfaction is to have as few needs from life as possible. And so, the task of the day is to identify the best tips for living in order to gain pleasure and happiness in human existence.
The statement of basic materials. The philosopher had an optimistic approach to the ethics of life and pleasure and believed that in everything there is a measure of its observance. The ideal of life and being is to satisfy natural, not created desires. In no way was Epicur against envy and evil intentions to harm someone, the main thing in his life was to remember selfless kindness, because it is always rewarded. The scientist emphasized the need to constantly work on his knowledge and senses in order to be useful to many. The philosopher's most important communicative advice was to understand happiness and be able to be satisfied with the least, also to treat death as the end of human existence and to live enjoying natural and physical existence, to enjoy life, but to remember the limits of admissibility of forbidden passions.
Conclusions. The purpose of our life is the search for happiness, to live virtuously and justly, to control our thoughts, and therefore to acquire intelligence and knowledge. The author has developed the conclusion that the main communicative and valuable advice is the principle of satisfaction according to Epicur - it is not just a search for physical joys, but a comprehensive approach to life, which includes understanding and satisfying both physical and mental needs, and ultimately - achievement “ataraxia”, that is peace of mind.
Keywords: death, fear, happiness, pleasure, epicureanism, communicative value advice, ataraxia
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