Ancient History Theory 2022

Running head: ANCIENT HISTORY
Ancient History
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1ANCIENT HISTORY
Comparison between Stoicism and Epicureanism
Stoicism can be defined as the philosophy that is completely based on self development
as well as control and fortitude as a mean of overcoming destructive emotions. According to the
mentioned philosophy, virtues like wisdom leads to happiness since human beings lack control
on several external events. Epicureanism, on the other hand, is a school of philosophy
established about 307 B.C based on the teachings of Epicurus1. This explains that the best thing
is to find small pleasures and achieve peace, freedom from anxiety ("ataraxia") and lack of
physical discomfort ("aponia"). In the following chard detailed comparison between the two
mentioned theories has been conducted.
1. While both the Stocism and Epicureanism philosophy were developed during the
Hellenistic period, the two mentioned philosophy were founded by two different
founders. The Stoicism philosophy was founded a Greek philosopher named Zeno. he
was astern believer of virtue and believed that although individuals should have control
over their desire, they should not suppress the same to that extent which would call for
sadness. Epicureanism can be defined as a school of philosophy developed about 307 BC,
based on the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus. he was an atomic
materialist, following in the steps of Democritus. His materialism had led him to conduct
general attack on superstition as well as divine intervention. According to Aristippus —
little known about him— Epicurus believed that the greatest good that is "pleasure" ,can
be acquired by modest way to live, obtaining knowledge of the workings of the universe,
1 Prior, William J. Virtue and knowledge: An Introduction to ancient Greek ethics. Routledge, 2016.