Essence
- Aristotelianism: Aristotle thought that a eudaimonic life — that is, a life worth living — is one in which we try to become the best humans we can be. But he also contended that such a life requires many things that are not under our control, such as wealth, education,
health, and even beauty. - Epicureanism: — pursuit of simple pleasures and avoidance of pain. Epicurus, in contrast, thought that the most important things in life were the pursuit of simple pleasures and the avoidance of pain, both physical and emotional. So, the Epicurean life consists of spending a lot of time with friends, reading and debating, all while accompanied by food and wine.
- Stoicism is founded on one crucial premise and relies on two fundamental pillars to provide practical guidance through one’s life. The premise is to live according to nature. The two pillars are the four cardinal virtues and the dichotomy of control. These four virtues are Practical Wisdom, Courage, Justice and Temperance.
More Details
- Aristotle practically invented the approach of virtue ethics as it is understood in the West today.
- He thought that a eudaimonic life — that is, a life worth living — is one in which we try to become the best humans we can be.
- But he also contended that such a life requires many things that are not under our control, such as wealth, education,
health, and even beauty. - Epicurus, in contrast, thought that the most important things in life were the pursuit of simple pleasures and the avoidance of pain, both physical and emotional.
- So, the Epicurean life consists of spending a lot of time with friends, reading and debating, all while accompanied by food and wine.
- Stoicism is another type of virtue ethics, alongside Aristotelianism and
Epicureanism. Indeed, the Stoics were major rivals of the two and other schools throughout the Hellenistic period. This is an ancient philosophy born of the need of a Phoenician merchant who was trying to process losing all he had after barely surviving a shipwreck. A sound
philosophy of life can change your outlook for the better, as it did for
Zeno of Citium.
Comparing Philosophies
GoodLife(Hedonism)= max(pleasure)
GoodLife(Epicurireanism)= max(simple-tranquil-pleasure)
GoodLife(extreme-Aristolianism/Peripateticism)= max(virtues)
GoodLife(Stoicism)= max(virtues, practical measures)
GoodLife(NVC)=min(unmet needs) at all time = max(effort(do that which I anticipate to be in harmony with the needs of all parties involved.))=min(max unmet needs(people))
GoodLife(Utilitarianism)=max total goodness(all people)
GoodLife(Buddhism)=max(compassion, wisdom)
GoodLife(Christianity)=max(the faith of Jesus, harmony with his teachings)
GoodLife(Judaism)= min(disharmony with the Torah rules)
GoodLife(Islam)=max(surrender to God)
