Writing assignment (choose two of the following):
1. What is the difference between the liberty of the ancients and the liberty of the moderns? What would moderns find lacking in ancient liberty? 2. Plutarch tells about an important episode in Alexander's life. What characteristics is it intended to show? 3. What, in Plutarch's opinion, makes a "great man"? Is Alexander great? 4. Based on the Principal Doctrines, explain the basic ideas of Epicureanism.
Topic One: What is the difference between the liberty of the ancients and the liberty of the moderns?What would moderns find lacking in ancient liberty? The ancient's idea of liberty was the freedom to make political decisions and decide what rulers governed them and so forth. They had no concept whatsoever of the individual freedoms that we Americans enjoy today. Being able to have a voice heard amidst the thousands of citizens was the only thing of value to them. The Greeks treasured the ability to choose what laws they were governed by and who was in charge of their city-states. Yet they never stopped to consider how different life was without democracy. Nowadays, Americans would be shocked at the lack of self-government in old times. There was no freedom to speak or act as you liked or rights to your home, family, or personal property. You couldn't hire a lawyer to defend you in an unfair case, where you might be accused of something you never did.
For instance, in Greece you could be banished for 10 years, just because they suspected you might cause trouble! Back then, they didn't have to have any evidence to back their claims. So you could be virtually innocent of any crimes and still be unjustly treated and sent away. They could separate you from your wife/husband or children and take your property if they pleased, without reason. But these were just facts of life in Athenian times that were largely overlooked. The Athenians appreciated only their political independence. They were allowed to; discuss matters of state and make alliances with foreign governments, investigate magistrates, or pronounce judgements. Sadly they were ignorant of what they were missing as far as individual freedom goes. They had no say in any other aspect of life, other than politics.We should be thankful in today's modern, enlightened world that we can enjoy civil liberties and not have them taken from us.
Topic Two: Epicureanism is a form of philosophy, created by the Greek philosopher, Epicurus. It's core belief is that one's goal/aim in life should be to pursue pleasure, in all it's forms. Epicurus stated that a human being should focus on experiencing as much pleasure in their lifetime, as possible. However he didn't promote overindulgence in any physical/mental gratification.He did say that it wasn't healthy to give full vent to desires, as that would result in remorse and pain. Overeating or getting drunk would be considered wrong, because they were contrary to moderation. Seeking pleasure and also procuring knowledge eventually led to a state of peace, or an absence of fear(in greek"atoroxia") and an absence of body pain(in greek"aponia").
As far as religion goes, Epicurus and his followers believed in the gods; but didn't think they had any affect on humanity. They questioned the existence of a higher spirit or deity, especially their relation to anything crucial in the world. If a God did exist,why didn't he prevent evil and suffering? Did his power allow him to do so but he refused out of spite? Or was he just weak and incapable of destroying pain? Epicurus is commonly thought to be an atheist, because of these questioning views. He thought the gods are immoral and better than us, but didn't hold that they cared at all about our well-being and happiness.
Topic One: What is the difference between the liberty of the ancients and the liberty of the moderns?What would moderns find lacking in ancient liberty? The ancient's idea of liberty was the freedom to make political decisions and decide what rulers governed them and so forth. They had no concept whatsoever of the individual freedoms that we Americans enjoy today. Being able to have a voice heard amidst the thousands of citizens was the only thing of value to them. The Greeks treasured the ability to choose what laws they were governed by and who was in charge of their city-states. Yet they never stopped to consider how different life was without democracy. Nowadays, Americans would be shocked at the lack of self-government in old times. There was no freedom to speak or act as you liked or rights to your home, family, or personal property. You couldn't hire a lawyer to defend you in an unfair case, where you might be accused of something you never did.
For instance, in Greece you could be banished for 10 years, just because they suspected you might cause trouble! Back then, they didn't have to have any evidence to back their claims. So you could be virtually innocent of any crimes and still be unjustly treated and sent away. They could separate you from your wife/husband or children and take your property if they pleased, without reason. But these were just facts of life in Athenian times that were largely overlooked. The Athenians appreciated only their political independence. They were allowed to; discuss matters of state and make alliances with foreign governments, investigate magistrates, or pronounce judgements. Sadly they were ignorant of what they were missing as far as individual freedom goes. They had no say in any other aspect of life, other than politics.We should be thankful in today's modern, enlightened world that we can enjoy civil liberties and not have them taken from us.
Topic Two: Epicureanism is a form of philosophy, created by the Greek philosopher, Epicurus. It's core belief is that one's goal/aim in life should be to pursue pleasure, in all it's forms. Epicurus stated that a human being should focus on experiencing as much pleasure in their lifetime, as possible. However he didn't promote overindulgence in any physical/mental gratification.He did say that it wasn't healthy to give full vent to desires, as that would result in remorse and pain. Overeating or getting drunk would be considered wrong, because they were contrary to moderation. Seeking pleasure and also procuring knowledge eventually led to a state of peace, or an absence of fear(in greek"atoroxia") and an absence of body pain(in greek"aponia").
As far as religion goes, Epicurus and his followers believed in the gods; but didn't think they had any affect on humanity. They questioned the existence of a higher spirit or deity, especially their relation to anything crucial in the world. If a God did exist,why didn't he prevent evil and suffering? Did his power allow him to do so but he refused out of spite? Or was he just weak and incapable of destroying pain? Epicurus is commonly thought to be an atheist, because of these questioning views. He thought the gods are immoral and better than us, but didn't hold that they cared at all about our well-being and happiness.
Good job answering these 2 questions :)
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