Epicureanism — is a system of philosophy based upon the teachings of Epicurus ( c . 341 ndash; c . 270 BC), founded around 307 BC. Epicurus was an atomic materialist, following in the steps of Democritus. His materialism led him to a general attack on… … Wikipedia
Epicureanism — • In its popular sense, the word stands for a refined and calculating selfishness, seeking not power or fame, but the pleasures of sense, particularly of the palate, and those in company rather than solitude Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight.… … Catholic encyclopedia
Epicureanism — Stephen Everson It is tempting to portray Epicureanism as the most straightforward, perhaps even simplistic, of the major dogmatic philosophical schools of the Hellenistic age. Starting from an atomic physics, according to which ‘the totality of… … History of philosophy
EPICUREANISM — EPICUREANISM, a philosophy of adjustment to the social changes after alexander the great (336–323), founded by Epicurus, 342/1–270 B.C.E., the most revered and the most reviled of all founders of thought in the Greco Roman world (De Witt). Recent … Encyclopedia of Judaism
Epicureanism — Ep i*cu*re an*ism, n. Attachment to the doctrines of Epicurus; the principles or belief of Epicurus. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
epicureanism — 1751, with reference to a philosophy; 1847 in a general sense, from EPICUREAN (Cf. epicurean) + ISM (Cf. ism). Earlier was epicurism (1570s) … Etymology dictionary
Epicureanism — [ep΄ikyoor′ē əniz΄əm] n. 1. the philosophy of Epicurus or his school 2. adherence to or practice of this philosophy 3. [e ] EPICURISM … English World dictionary
Epicureanism — /ep i kyoo ree euh niz euhm, kyoor ee /, n. 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… … Universalium
Epicureanism — In common usage, a way of life based on sensual enjoyment. However, this is not the recommendation of Epicurus, who advocated the pursuit only of pleasures that can be controlled and enjoyed in moderation: pleasures of friendship, peace, and… … Philosophy dictionary
Epicureanism — Epicurean ► NOUN 1) a follower of the Greek philosopher Epicurus (341 270 BC), who taught that pleasure, particularly mental pleasure, was the highest good. 2) (epicurean) an epicure. ► ADJECTIVE 1) relating to Epicurus or his ideas. 2)… … English terms dictionary