University Philosophy Essay: Comparing Stoicism and Epicureanism

This essay provides a comparative analysis of Stoicism and Epicureanism, two prominent philosophical schools of the Hellenistic period. The essay begins by defining Stoicism, emphasizing self-development, control, and fortitude, and Epicureanism, which prioritizes small pleasures and freedom from anxiety and physical discomfort. It then delves into the founders of each philosophy: Zeno for Stoicism and Epicurus for Epicureanism. The essay highlights the core tenets of each, including Stoic emphasis on virtue and acceptance of external events, and Epicurean focus on limiting desires for a simple life. The comparison extends to their differing views on human control, with Stoics believing in accepting what cannot be controlled, while Epicureans focus on managing desires. The essay concludes with a discussion on the appeal of Stoicism over Epicureanism, citing its relevance in dealing with modern psychological issues such as depression and anxiety, and advocating for its focus on social responsibility and fulfillment of duties towards others. The essay uses references to support its claims.

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.

2ANCIENT HISTORY
and limit one's wishes2.
2. The key theory behind Epicureanism includes each and every individual should habituate
themselves to abstain from luxurious lifestyle and instead should opt for basic life style
where the basic needs of life needs to be met. Men should not opt for desiring any kinds
of physical or non physical materials that they should not opt for.
3. Thus it can be clearly understood that the philosophy of Epicureanism stresses on the
importance of training the desire of human beings.
When it comes to the concept of stoicism, unlike the concept of Epicureanism, the stoic philosophers
believed that a good number of happenings are out of the control of man. Such non controllable
factors are responsible for making our life more stressful and difficult3. Human beings possess non
control over grief and pain caused due to factors like Sickness, loss, poverty, death and other
tragedies. Thus as human being, all an individual can do is to hope and be strong. By comparison to
Epicurean thinkers, the Stoic philosophers emphasized that being alive requires being exposed to the
many challenges that can never be our own in our lives and that attaining fulfillment is not merely a
matter of giving up having that which we do not want. By comparison to Epicurean thinkers, the
Stoic philosophers emphasized that being alive requires being exposed to the many challenges that
can never be our own in our lives and that attaining fulfillment is not merely a matter of giving up
having that which we do not want4. As per the mentioned philosophy, a true stoic philosopher will
allows bear the vicissitudes of fortune along with understanding, equanimity and understanding and
will always refrain from giving up on the basis of his or her impulses.
2 Andrew, Edward. "The Epicurean Stoicism of the French Enlightenment." The Routledge Handbook of the Stoic
Tradition (2016): 58.
3 Long, A. G. "Sophists, Epicureans, and Stoics." The Hellenistic Reception of Classical Athenian Democracy and
Political Thought (2018): 93.
4 Sedley, David. "EPICUREAN THEORIES OF KNOWLEDGE FROM HERMARCHUS TO LUCRETIUS AND
PHILODEMUS." Lexicon Philosophicum: International Journal for the History of Texts and Ideas (2018).

3ANCIENT HISTORY
Discussion on selecting between Stoicism and Epicureanism
There are a good number of factors responsible behind the popularity of Stoicism
compared to that of Epicureanism. The philosophy of Epicurean ends of doing very little, so as
to avoid pain. However in real life the mentioned philosophy does not always work. There is
still suffering and one cannot avoid that sice they are uncontrollable. Stoicism promotes ways of
thinking about the world, so that pain can be dealt with without making the same highly
miserable5. Epicureanism is also profoundly individualistic. After all, certain people cause pain.
Stoicism reflects both self-confidence and responsibility. as per my opinion, the Stoics
wandered over a key element of human psychology like we are a social being and we are better
able to achieve Eudaimonia by fulfilling our duties towards others than by maximizing our own
pleasure. Along with this, Stoicism is the basis on which depression, anxiety and other
psychological problems (CBT) are most effectively treated6. Thus I personally believe that for
leading life in the contemporary world and for obtaining internal happiness, stoicism is more
effective than Epicureanism.
5 Bee, Michele, and Maria Pia Paganelli. "Adam Smith, anti-stoic." History of European Ideas (2019): 1-13.
6 Riley, Jonathan. "Bentham, Mill, Stoicism and Higher Pleasures." Happiness and Utility: Essays Presented to
Frederick Rosen (2019): 184.

4ANCIENT HISTORY
Reference list
Andrew, Edward. "The Epicurean Stoicism of the French Enlightenment." The Routledge
Handbook of the Stoic Tradition (2016): 58.
Bee, Michele, and Maria Pia Paganelli. "Adam Smith, anti-stoic." History of European
Ideas (2019): 1-13.
Long, A. G. "Sophists, Epicureans, and Stoics." The Hellenistic Reception of Classical Athenian
Democracy and Political Thought (2018): 93.
Prior, William J. Virtue and knowledge: An Introduction to ancient Greek ethics. Routledge,
2016.
Riley, Jonathan. "Bentham, Mill, Stoicism and Higher Pleasures." Happiness and Utility: Essays
Presented to Frederick Rosen (2019): 184.
Sedley, David. "EPICUREAN THEORIES OF KNOWLEDGE FROM HERMARCHUS TO
LUCRETIUS AND PHILODEMUS." Lexicon Philosophicum: International Journal for the
History of Texts and Ideas (2018).