Lessons by Epicurus

Philosophy as a way of life

Abstract

Throughout all Antiquity, philosophy was characterized as a practical activity, as a way of life composed of ideas, values ​​and discourses to which individuals voluntarily joined. For the Hellenistic era philosopher, Epicurus (341 – 270 BC), philosophy was characterized as a life practice aimed at obtaining pleasures and the achievement of happiness. Unlike the intrinsic reality inherent to ancient philosophy, the contemporary philosophy is largely characterized by the theoretical and academic aspect that privileges the discourse as a formal structure, to the detriment of practice, of daily action related to self-care and to the transformation of the lifestyle. By using Epicurus’ thought (2005) as theoretical reference, as well as the concept of philosophy presented by Pierre Hadot (2014) and Michel Onfray (2010), this work aims to reflect about the contrasts between the experience of philosophy in Antiquity and its production in contemporaneity, as well as it aims to analyze the possibility of a return to philosophy as a practical, daily activity of an individual character and/or collective character.