Epicureanism

American  

[ep-i-kyoo-ree-uh-niz-uhm, -kyoor-ee-] / ˌɛp ɪ kyʊˈri əˌnɪz əm, -ˈkyʊər i- /

Also Epicurism

noun

1. the philosophical system or doctrine of Epicurus, holding that the external world is a series of fortuitous combinations of atoms and that the highest good is pleasure, interpreted as freedom from disturbance or pain.

2. (lowercase) epicurean indulgence or habits.

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Epicureanism Cultural  

1. A form of hedonism defended by several philosophers of ancient Greece. For the Epicureans, the proper goal of action was pleasure — a long-term pleasure, marked by serenity and temperance.

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Etymology

Origin of Epicureanism

First recorded in 1745–55; epicurean + -ism

Explanation

Epicureanism, which comes from ancient Greek philosophy, is a focus on the importance of pleasure. If you devote yourself to going to the symphony and eating fine foods, it's because of your epicureanism. The philosopher Epicurus developed his ideas as a challenge to Plato. Although today this word is colloquially used to mean reveling in excessive pleasurable activity, that's not the way Epicurus described his philosophy. In fact, he emphasized the importance of a simple life and quiet pleasures. Classical epicureanism was all about the absence of pain and fear, rather than eating an entire chocolate cake while lying in a hammock.