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448. Living Your Best Epicurean Life with Catherine Wilson

Aug 2, 2024
Catherine Wilson, an emerita professor of philosophy at the University of York, discusses the resurgence of Epicureanism in modern life. She contrasts it with Stoicism, emphasizing the importance of pleasure and intrinsic motivations over societal validation. The podcast explores how Epicurean principles can guide personal joy and ethical behavior amidst today's consumer culture. Wilson also critiques the historical and contemporary societal values, advocating for peace and genuine happiness as essential aspects of human ethics.
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INSIGHT

Epicureanism's Underrated Value

  • Epicureanism, contrasting with Stoicism, deserves a fresh look.
  • It offers practical life lessons applicable today, derived from Epicurus and Lucretius.
INSIGHT

Connecting Natural Philosophy and Ethics

  • Understanding the world's nature enhances our ability to solve human and political problems.
  • Epicureanism links natural philosophy and ethics more closely than Stoicism.
INSIGHT

Epicureanism as Proto-Darwinism

  • The Epicurean view, emphasizing atoms and change, mirrors Darwinian evolution.
  • Darwin, despite likely knowing of Lucretius, never acknowledged the similarity.
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