The history of moral philosophy since the 17th century recapitulates the ancient debate between Stoics and Epicureans. Explain this view, giving the basic ideas of Stoicism and Epicureanism.

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1) ‘The history of moral philosophy since the 17th century recapitulates the ancient debate between Stoics and Epicureans.’ Explain this view, giving the basic ideas of Stoicism and Epicureanism.  Which philosophers in modern times (that is, since the time of Montaigne going forward) might it be seen as especially applying to?  Has the debate been won by one side or the other?  Explain.  

The debate between Stoicism and Epicureanism, it could be argued, started around two millennia ago. Though parallels can be observed between Stoicism and Buddhism, hence one cannot draw a clear line to the beginning of this great debate. It could also be argued that this debate has continued along the millennia and even beyond the European age of enlightenment. Certainly, numerous philosophers have been influenced by the ‘ancient’ philosophies of Stoicism and Epicureanism.

Epicureanism is the pursuit of pleasure as an ethical principle. Pleasure is the goal of living. To derive the most pleasure possible in one’s lifetime being the chief aim. It was originally a challenge to Platonism, though it later became the main opponent of Stoicism.

Stoicism is an indifference to pain and pleasure. Epictetus, the Stoic philosopher believed that the ideal state is one in which you’re never disturbed. Stoics believe that in order to be free from emotional disturbances you have to realise that the only things you have a choice in is your personal behaviour and attitude, all else belongs to fate.

John Bramhall labelled Hobbes a Stoic for his determinism, and Hobbes did not reject the label. One thing Hobbes disagreed with the Stoics on was that moral was based on right reason. This was also one thing on which he agreed with the anti-Stoic, David Hume. The two never debated with one another directly, but their philosophies are contrasting and could perhaps be likened to a post-renaissance debate between the Stoics and Epicureans. Though Hume has never been labelled an Epicurean, his criticism of the Stoic philosophy could justify such a labelling, alongside his theory of justice which can be considered utilitarian.

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A post-renaissance Stoic and Epicurean debate could perhaps be better exemplified by the clashing philosophies of Mill and Kant. John Mill was the pioneer of Utilitarianism, which retains the Epicurean view that humans naturally seek pleasure and avoid pain. The utilitarianism of John Mill can sometimes be classified as a form of Hedonism, that is, it judges the moral good of actions by their consequential contribution to the greater happiness of all. The figurehead of contrast, Kant, recognised in the Stoics a school he could not but sympathise with. But he criticises the Stoics for neglecting happiness altogether. He ...

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