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Epicurus Reflection Paper

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Reflective Essay draft 2

I think morality is important to being happy which is supported by the following reason; morality is the fundamental that constitutes our society. Human beings live in a group rather than individually, where morality creates a binding power to form the society. Without morality, society would clash and hence human beings couldn’t survive and the good life does not need to be discussed any more. However, in my argument, morality is not sufficient, where I argue that happiness is achieved from the ability to satisfy desires under morality. Being a virtuous person makes me easier to be accepted by the society so less impediment to do the things I want to do. On the other side, being a vicious person makes me harder to be involved and prone to punishment hence bringing more obstacles. However, the desires could vary among different people.

Epicurus aims at achieving a life of pleasure. It requires critical thinking on which actions to take with an understanding in nature of us at the beginning. The pleasure in Epicureanism is a state without pain both bodily and mentally, where a main portion of this pain comes from fear, especially death. Because he points out the fear of death is unnecessary where he insists human soul and death cannot coexist with his theory in metaphysics. Epicurus thinks morality is determined by consequences …show more content…

First one is the morality. Before I say what is wrong about his morality, consider my recent life: I want to lose some weight in a healthy way. When I’m doing gym and eating a lot of vegetables I feel strong pain, meaning I shouldn’t do it under Epicureanism and I should sit on couch and watch TV for whole day as great pleasure from them. However, the former clearly brings me pleasure from a healthier body and opposite in the latter one in the future. Hence, morality should be judged on consequences over long term in order to maximize

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