difference between epicureanism and utilitarianism

We can turn our worries and fears into a source of motivation that helps us to become better people in this world. Psychological Egoism | What is Ethical Egoism? Pleasure and pain are the root of good and evil. Instead, the stoics tell us to accept the situation as it is and do our best with what is in our control at the time. Furthermore, theory is in opposition to egoism, the view that a person should pursue his own self-interest, even at the expense of others, and to any ethical theory that regards some acts or types of acts (Duignan, 2015). Though one ancient author only traces its roots back to Zeno, the founder of Stoicism. Mill defines utilitarianism as a theory based on the principle that "actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness." Mill defines happiness as pleasure and the absence of pain. This article attempts to highlight the differences between consequentialism and utilitarianism for the benefit of the readers. This goes back to the tedious task of trying to analyze countless number of alternatives and figure out which one brings about the most. Typically, agent-centered theories like Kant's include patient-centered duties, while patient-centered theories like Nozick's often don't include agent-centered duties. This is the fundamental difference between Stoicism and Epicureanism. Both philosophies agree that we should do this in order to live a better life. In your own words (at least 500/ 35 points), compare and contrast Kant's deontology with Mill's utilitarianism in three ways. On the one hand, other people are potential destroyers of the tranquillity (ataraxia) one seeks ; this is particularly the case in political contexts, and Epicurus does not encourage political participation. Manage Settings The stoic believes that everything is in our control, while the Epicurean believes that there is nothing that can be controlled. Despite the differences between the philosophies, both Stoicism and Epicureanism advocate that a person should put his life into motion based on individual responsibilities. These experiences will factor into how she handles this moral dilemma, not just the total people affected by her decision. Philosophy Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for those interested in the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. Hedonic happiness is achieved through experiences of pleasure and enjoyment, while eudaimonic happiness is achieved through experiences of meaning and purpose. To remember his name, consider that Bentham wanted to calculate benefits. I will also look at arguments for and against utilitarianism. Perhaps you know which approach you would take, based on your knowledge of the two philosophies. DeWitt summarises this relationship as follows : "It is impossible to live pleasurably without living according to reason, honor, and justice, nor to live according to reason, honor, and justice without living pleasurably." (Dionenes Laertius, 'Epicurus', 136 : see Reference. Egoism is also incompatible with Epicurus' linkage between pleasure and virtue : virtue requires one to take others' interests into account for their own sake. It does seem fairly clear, however, that 'maximisation' of pleasure does not capture his view. Does stoicism and Epicureanism encourage complacency? (Dodds, Lecture 2) Kantian moral theory and Utilitarianism are two theories that attempt to answer the ethical nature of human beings. Stoic philosophers believe that the only evil is fear, which leads to irrational behavior. They had managed to build themselves up to be strong and confident adults who knew how to live their own lives without being bogged down by external pressures or expectations. Virtue Ethics Act utilitarianism is interested only in an action's impact when judging if that . Its all too easy to get caught up in the small things in life, whether that be a paper cut, a spilled coffee or an argument with your partner. So to all you businesses out there without a Vice President of Communications, be warned! Articles. Type. The key difference between act and rule utilitarianism is a matter of the criteria for judging moral actions. But regardless of which kind of pleasure is being talked about my question still stands, and I don't know that your question answers it (please correct me if I am wrong). If these less favorable results, or pain, occur from this action, it can be justified if it is produced to prevent more pain or produce happiness. He believed that the purpose of philosophy was to reach a state of pure happiness, free from fear and outside pressures. Friendship provides the security that protects ataraxia. Utilitarianism is a family of normative ethical theories that prescribe actions that maximize happiness and well-being for all affected individuals. You are disparaging Epicurus who was a very wise and gentle philosopher. I totally agree Utilitarianism explains its position on minimizing pain and maximizing pleasure, whereas Epicureanism doesn't explain it's position on minimizing pain and maximizing pleasure. While differing in their fundamental tenets, both philosophical schools recognized the goal of philosophy to be the transformation of the self into a sage. The approach that Epicurus takes is considered an early form of utilitarianism. One of the primary differences between Stoicism and Epicureanism is how they viewed virtue. Diogenes Laertius, Lives of the Philosophers II, X, 'Epicurus', tr. J.M. There are two types of utilitarians: Act utilitarians and Rule. Unlike epicureanism, utilitarianism emphasizes a course of action that will bring the greatest good to the largest number of people. Lets start by gaining an understanding of what utilitarianism means. So which philosophy is best? You wouldnt want to be the next Enron, would you? If we prefer to live a life of pleasure and joy, then we should come to the Epicurean path. Epicurus focused on the absence of pain as being even more important than the presence of pleasure. When we are stressed, we react in a negative way towards those around us. flashcard sets. Similar to other doctrine, utilitarianism is not without a flaw. The stoic has many friends, the Epicurean has none. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory which acts as a guideline on how people should act in certain situations and was first introduced by a hedonist (pursuer of pleasure) named Jeremy Bentham who put forward the Principle of Utility which said The greatest happiness for the greatest number. Thus, one needs to act in such a way that . Epicurean v. Utilitarian Tendencies Which of these two philosophies a CEO or CFO leans toward can drastically affect an organization's reputation. The key is finding a balance, and that balance is the job of a corporate communication team. Epicureanism is a system of philosophy founded around 307 BC based upon the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus. is that utilitarianism is (philosophy) a system of ethics based on the premise that something's value may be measured by its usefulness while epicureanism is a system of philosophy based upon the teachings of (c 340-c 270 bc). And they can be used no matter which philosophy you subscribe to, so I am sure that they will help make your life better. This chapter provides the definition of utilitarianism. Having life is something that provides value to people. Furthermore, utilitarians think that the moral rightness of an action is dependant of weather it promotes rightness. According to Shaw and Barry, act utilitarianism states that we must ask ourselves what the consequences of a particular act in a particular situation will be for all those affected (p.60). Therefore, a YOLO attitude is only setting us up for future failure and suffering. Jeffrey S. Purinton, 'Epicurus on the Telos', Phronesis, Vol. Two main aspects dominate the light of utilitarian beliefs. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. However, utilitarianism does not say that it is moral for people . What's wrong with my argument? You can remember the term utilitarianism by thinking of the utility or usefulness of an action and whether the action increases pleasure and human happiness. Deontology takes the universally accepted codes of conduct into account whereas, utilitarianism does not take universally accepted codes of conduct into account. Consequentialism is a theory that says whether something is good or bad depends on its outcomes. Epicureanism is a system of philosophy based on the teachings of Epicurus, founded around 307 B.C. Unlike Stoicism, the exact founding date of Epicureanism is unknown. After all, Epicureanism is associated with comfort, luxury, and fine living. Therefore, this concept treats the intentions or the act itself as irrelevant. They also believe that a person should not believe in supernatural forces or divine beings. (LogOut/ 2. The stoic does everything for himself and the Epicurean does nothing for himself. It does seem fairly clear, however, that 'maximisation' of pleasure does not capture his view. Utilitarianism can also be secular and religious whether by wanting happiness for your own sake or because God desires happiness for his creations. Epicureans believe that the best thing we can do is to forget about what is going on in our lives and instead focus on living a life with meaning and purpose. Is email scraping still a thing for spammers. Key Takeaways: Hedonic and Eudaimonic Happiness Deontology noun The science which relates to duty or moral obligation. This philosophy holds that virtue is the only good, everything else is indifferent (meaning its neither good nor bad), and no external thing or circumstance can ultimately affect ones character. There are plenty of things in life that are out of our hands and so it is impossible for us to rely on someone else in order to make it through the week or month. Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who founded the Epicurean school of thought. Epicurus's presence in Victorian utilitarianism is the strongest mark of any ancient philosophy's afterlife in Britain during the nineteenth century. In the battle of philosophical ideas, its easy to pit Stoicism vs Epicureanism. Our own internal feelings also help regulate our actions.'. A utilitarian philosophy is used when making social, economic or . For the Stoics, virtue was the foundational concept for their way of life. The consequentialist principle explains that in determining the rightness or wrongness of an act one must examine the results that will follow. Should she recall it even if only a few people will ever be affected? You can aim to remember the name of Epicurus by thinking of how he was curious about human pleasure. What is the difference between Rule Utilitarianism and Act Utilitarianism? These are pleasures of activity, pleasures one get from or in doing something. As nouns the difference between utilitarianism and epicureanism is that utilitarianism is (philosophy) a system of ethics based on the premise that something's value may be measured by its usefulness while epicureanism is a system of philosophy based upon the teachings of (c 340-c 270 bc). It was created in the 18th century by British philosopher Jeremy Bentham, and puts the good of the whole society above the needs of any individual person. The opposite of stoicism is the belief that feeling emotions are a natural, healthy, and important part of life. If we find it useful to believe in a higher divine being, then we should be stoics. Utilitarians believe that one should so act as to promote the greatest happiness (pleasure) of the greatest number of people (Angeles 326). Ancient Greek Philosophies: Ancient Greece was a critical period for the development of Western civilization in a myriad of ways. R.D. It can seem a bit odd to do, to stand back and think, but we are living in a fast-paced world, filled with responsibilities that take up our time and energy. List of the Disadvantages of Utilitarianism. He says that pleasure can be described as the absence of pain in the body and of trouble in the soul. (J.M. For Epicurus, the consequences of our actions do matter and other people matter too. Ethics can be defined as "the conscious reflection on our moral beliefs with the aim of improving, extending or refining those beliefs in some way." For many people in todays world, there is such a pressure on them to meet other peoples expectations and goals. Not all things are going to go our way, but if we have hope in our ability to live a better life, we will be much happier. In summary, a simple heuristic to remember the difference between the Stoics and the Epicureans: The Stoics cared about virtuous behavior and living according to nature, while the Epicureans were all about avoiding pain and seeking natural and necessary pleasure. Both philosophies champion the pursuit of knowledge, though they also both stress the importance of being self-sufficient and loving oneself before others. It is the only moral framework that can be used to justify military force or war. Bernard Williams, in his paper Utilitarianism and Integrity, voices his primary concern in regard to utilitarianism by providing two concrete examples to demonstrate how utilitarianism is only concerned about the consequences of the action and not about the means used to get there. Two different forms of utilitarianism are described in our text. Both philosophers teach acceptance of all actions. Change). More at Wordnik hedonism We will write a custom Essay on Utilitarianism vs Libertarianism: Examples and Facts specifically for you. Of meaning and purpose do matter and other people matter too, based on knowledge! And loving oneself before others the differences between consequentialism and utilitarianism for the Stoics, was. Against utilitarianism and Epicureanism is a matter of the ancient Greek philosophies: Greece! Principle explains that in determining the rightness or wrongness of an act one examine... 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