Epicureanism

Define and discuss Epicureanism.
The school of philosophy founded by the Greek philosopher Epicurus. It taught that the greatest pleasures in life were obtained through knowledge, friendship, and living a virtuous life. They believed that the ultimate good was to seek modest pleasures that they may attain a state of tranquility and to be free of fear. Also this state would free them of pain. The state was obtained through the knowledge of the workings of the world and knowing limits to their desires. It was originally a challenge to Platonism but was later a main opponent of Stoicism. The students of Epicureanism shunned politics. Although it had a noble cause and strong support it died out by the end of the Roman Empire.