Thus, it can be argued that while Aristotle believes that happiness lied within fulfilling the desires of human nature, being in accordance with understanding the humanly existence and not denying what is needed by it; point of Epicurus seems to be more random since it is enough for him to call himself happy in any situation where pain and fear are absent but pleasure is present.
In order to further differentiate the different understanding of happiness of Aristotle and Epicurus, the trial of Socrates may establish a solid foundation. In Apology, the trial of Socrates is narrated. When Socrates is charged by being heretic to gods and misleads the young people to criminal acts, Socrates is given the chance of determining his own punishment; exile or death. Socrates chose death because …show more content…
“Of all this the d is prudence. For this reason prudence is a more precious thing even than the other virtues, for ad a life of pleasure which is not also a life of prudence, honor, and justice; nor lead a life of prudence, honor, and justice, which is not also a life of pleasure. For the virtues have grown into one with a pleasant life, and a pleasant life is inseparable from them.” (Letter to Menoecus 3). Considering the case that Socrates could have chosen exile and continue his life as a result of a prudent act, what would make an Epicurean philosopher to think that Socrates chose the right and happy option at his last minute would be that if Socrates choose exile, no matter how it would bring the necessity that he would need to accept that he was wrong. Death, which is the end of all possible random pleasures of life, would never be considered as a happy choice by Epicurean thought system. Thus, Epicurus would argue that Socrates died unhappy due to lack of pleasure and the virtuous act of
In order to further differentiate the different understanding of happiness of Aristotle and Epicurus, the trial of Socrates may establish a solid foundation. In Apology, the trial of Socrates is narrated. When Socrates is charged by being heretic to gods and misleads the young people to criminal acts, Socrates is given the chance of determining his own punishment; exile or death. Socrates chose death because …show more content…
“Of all this the d is prudence. For this reason prudence is a more precious thing even than the other virtues, for ad a life of pleasure which is not also a life of prudence, honor, and justice; nor lead a life of prudence, honor, and justice, which is not also a life of pleasure. For the virtues have grown into one with a pleasant life, and a pleasant life is inseparable from them.” (Letter to Menoecus 3). Considering the case that Socrates could have chosen exile and continue his life as a result of a prudent act, what would make an Epicurean philosopher to think that Socrates chose the right and happy option at his last minute would be that if Socrates choose exile, no matter how it would bring the necessity that he would need to accept that he was wrong. Death, which is the end of all possible random pleasures of life, would never be considered as a happy choice by Epicurean thought system. Thus, Epicurus would argue that Socrates died unhappy due to lack of pleasure and the virtuous act of