Epicureanism Through a Feminist and Indigenous Lens

by Kara Sutton

            Many philosophers and stoics hold similar outlooks on the ideologies of life, but when comparing ancient philosophies to some of the ideas and movements of today, these cultural standards can be very different. Modern-day feminism presents itself in many ways, and through a feminist lens, epicurean concepts are significant, and contradictory. Through viewing the epicurean philosophy and comparing these ideas to those of a modern-day, indigenous feminist, evolution of the human population, philosophies, and our modern-day society are apparent.

through a feminist lens, epicurean concepts are significant, and contradictory.

            First, the epicurean philosophy, also commonly referred to as Epicureanism, is centered around living life in moderation, and avoiding engaging in hedonistic practices; this movement was started by ancient philosopher, Epicurus. Epicurus lived through 341-271 BCE, just after the Golden Age of Philosophy, and was born on an island called Samos, in Greece (Green et al. 355).  Epicurus was a student under another Grecian philosopher, Nausiphanes, who taught him the works of Democritus and many others; it is believed that after Epicurus finished his studies under Nausiphanes he moved and became a teacher in Lampascus (“Epicurus”). He taught individuals of all backgrounds, and even taught women, which in this time, was a very controversial move.

Moreover, the epicurean philosophy is also described by Epicurus as “the removal of all pain… and he holds pain of the mind e.g., anguish and fear, to be worse than physical pain” (Green et at. 355). This Epicurean idea goes against many other stoics, for the simple fact that he believes that individuals should not suffer or deal with pain, whereas many other stoics believe that pain should be endured. This means that while Epicurus appreciates a life lived without hedonistic behavior and values, the only real way to be truly happy and satisfied with life is to be without pain, implying that living without pain means living in harmony and satisfaction. While this is true, his philosophy is very materialistic in nature; this is very interesting, because Epicurus makes points in his “Letter to Menoeceus, on Happiness” to address the idea that materialism and hedonism have the potential to coexist due to overwhelming desire, but that individuals have to draw the line between necessary and unnecessary desires (Green et al. 358). Additionally, one of Epicurus’ highest held values is friendship. He believed that friendship was a catalyst for a happy and fulfilling life, without pain, but pleasure (“Epicurus”). He explained that friendship is a natural and necessary desire, and without friendship, “we are pained because of the absence of pleasure [not sexual pleasure]” (Green et al. 358).  This quote truly shows the significance and value that friendship holds in Epicurus’ eyes.

While Epicurus advocated for strong relationships and positive experiences, he would often advocate against speaking about political issues regarding these topics, and involvement in politics in general, because he believed that politics can be especially harmful (Pascale). While there is no outlined political theory, it is believed that Epicurus would withdraw from politics and advise others to do the same.

On the other hand, although Epicurus did accept and teach female students, which can technically be considered a feminist practice, because he advocated for the education of women and supported the idea that women should be taught in the same ways as men, this does not imply that he would’ve been an early feminist. It can be assumed that Epicurus’ strong dislike for politics is, in turn, an anti-feminist practice, since a large aspect of feminism is involvement in politics, which would also disqualify him from being an ancient feminist philosopher.

the idea that women should be taught in the same ways as men does not imply that he would’ve been an early feminist.

Through a feminist view, Epicurus holds important values, until, as previously mentioned, it comes to politics. Feminism is a movement based on the advocacy for equal rights and opportunity for women in the workplace, politics, societal ranking/classification; another important aspect is the fight to be recognized and held to the same standards as male-counterparts, rather than being seen as inferior. A large part of the feminist movement is involvement in politics, therefore, with Epicurus’ standards in mind, the feminist agenda is not supported. It is a bit difficult to compare the ideas of feminism to those of Epicurus because these ideologies are centered around different factors; the only element that is comparable are the viewpoints of both parties on politics.

On another note, the ideals that Epicurus held are somewhat similar to that of Cherokee beliefs. The Cherokee believe that a good life is achieved when one reaches a balanced and harmonious life, all while respecting nature. Not only are these aspects important, but another imperative idea is the idea of friendship and strong relationships within a community. Additionally, the Cherokee believe that having a strong spiritual connection is an important factor in having a satisfactory life. This is also a belief that Epicurus holds. Epicurus states that “the greatest evils happen to the wicked and the greatest blessings happen to the good from the hand of the gods” implying that those who believe in and worship a god/gods, are destined for good things because they put kindness/goodness into the universe (Green et al. 357).

The Cherokee believe that a good life is achieved when one reaches a balanced and harmonious life, all while respecting nature.

Overall, the ideas represented through the epicurean philosophy are difficult to compare to those of modern-day feminism, and there isn’t any true overlap aside from the idea that women and men should be educated in the same way, but there imperative contradictory viewpoints. On the other hand, Epicurus and indigenous individuals belonging to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians share similar viewpoints in terms of friendship and spirituality. Through examining the epicurean philosophy through these complex lenses, we can see that there are similarities in cultural values today, as well as differences.

Works Consulted

“Children’s Web Magazine… Entertaining , Educational, Fun,Informative and MORE.” Political Philosophy: Epicurus, www.kingsnews.org/articles/political-philosophy-epicurus. 

CRESPO, HIRAM. “An EPICUREAN GUIDE to Living More Pleasantly in Times of Coronavirus.” Humanist, vol. 80, no. 3, May 2020, pp. 22–24. EBSCOhost, 0-search.ebscohost.com.wncln.wncln.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hlh&AN=143605447&site=ehost-live.

“Epicurus.” Famous Philosophers, www.famousphilosophers.org/epicurus/.

Green, Keith, et al. “Epicurus.” The Asheville Reader: The Ancient World. Asheville: Copely Custom Publishing Group, 2004. 355-359.

Zinkin, Melissa. “Two Kinds of Feminist Philosophy.” Pacific Philosophical Quarterly, vol. 99, no. 2, June 2018, pp. 207–227. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1111/papq.12163.

HUM124 (Johnson)