Question 1

Epicurus states that coming to believe that death is "nothing to us" is beneficial because

Accepted Answer

A)  the gods bless those who are indifferent to death 
B)  it frees us from the desire for immortality and the fear of death 
C)  it leads to greater prosperity and wealth 
D)  a focus on death makes us annoying to others 
A)  the gods bless those who are indifferent to death 
B)  it frees us from the desire for immortality and the fear of death 
C)  it leads to greater prosperity and wealth 
D)  a focus on death makes us annoying to others B

Question 2

What are the benefits of studying philosophy, according to Epicurus?

Accepted Answer

A)  it enables us to question our political leaders 
B)  it prepares the young not to fear what happens in the future 
C)  it allows the old to reflect positively upon good things in life 
D)  both b and c 
A)  it enables us to question our political leaders 
B)  it prepares the young not to fear what happens in the future 
C)  it allows the old to reflect positively upon good things in life 
D)  both b and c D

Question 3

Epicurus seemed to believe that the fear of death and worries about immortality contribute to living an unhappy life. Is he correct about that? What evidence is there for (or against) Epicurus' belief?

Accepted Answer

Epicurus' belief that the fear of death and worries about immortality contribute to living an unhappy life is a matter of philosophical debate.

On one hand, there is evidence to support Epicurus' belief. Many people experience anxiety and distress when contemplating their own mortality, and the fear of death can lead to a sense of unease and dissatisfaction with life. Additionally, the pursuit of immortality or the afterlife can distract individuals from fully engaging with and appreciating the present moment, leading to a less fulfilling existence.

On the other hand, there are also arguments against Epicurus' belief. Some individuals find comfort and meaning in the belief in an afterlife or in the pursuit of immortality through their legacy or impact on the world. For these individuals, thoughts of death may not necessarily lead to unhappiness, but rather a sense of purpose and motivation to make the most of their time on earth.

Ultimately, whether Epicurus' belief is correct is subjective and varies from person to person. While some may find that the fear of death and worries about immortality contribute to their unhappiness, others may not be affected in the same way. It is important to consider individual perspectives and experiences when evaluating the validity of Epicurus' belief.

Question 4

What does Epicurus mean by his claim that "death is nothing to us," and what reasons does he provide in support of that claim? Are you convinced by Epicurus' reasoning? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

Epicurus, the ancient Greek philosopher,

Question 5

With which of the following statements about pleasure does Epicurus agree?

Accepted Answer

A)  Our choices are guided by the expectation of pleasure. 
B)  We rationally reject lesser pleasures in the expectation of greater pleasure later on. 
C)  We rationally choose pains in the expectation that they will result in greater pleasure overall. 
D)  All of the above 
A)  Our choices are guided by the expectation of pleasure. 
B)  We rationally reject lesser pleasures in the expectation of greater pleasure later on. 
C)  We rationally choose pains in the expectation that they will result in greater pleasure overall. 
D)  All of the above

Question 6

The most important virtue in human life, according to Epicurus, is

Accepted Answer

A)  temperance 
B)  honor 
C)  prudence 
D)  justice 
A)  temperance 
B)  honor 
C)  prudence 
D)  justice

Question 7

For Epicurus, happiness is attained not by pursuing sensual pleasures but by being free of bodily pain and mental turmoil.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Exam 8: Letter to Menoeceus

Epicurus states that coming to believe that death is "nothing to us" is beneficial because

What are the benefits of studying philosophy, according to Epicurus?

Epicurus seemed to believe that the fear of death and worries about immortality contribute to living an unhappy life. Is he correct about that? What evidence is there for (or against) Epicurus' belief?

What does Epicurus mean by his claim that "death is nothing to us," and what reasons does he provide in support of that claim? Are you convinced by Epicurus' reasoning? Why or why not?

With which of the following statements about pleasure does Epicurus agree?

The most important virtue in human life, according to Epicurus, is

For Epicurus, happiness is attained not by pursuing sensual pleasures but by being free of bodily pain and mental turmoil.

Defining Death

Defining Death in a Technological World

We Die When Entropy Overwhelms Homeostasis

What It Is to Die

The Tragic Sense of Life Excerpts

Can We Survive Our Deaths

The Possibility of an Afterlife

Two Arguments for Epicureanism

Why Death Is Not Bad for the One Who Dies

Death Is Bad for Us When Were Dead

Making Death Not Quite As Bad for the One Who Dies

On the Nature of Things Excerpts

If You Want to Die Later, Then Why Dont You Want to Have Been Born Earlier

Coming Into and Going Out of Existence

The Epic of Gilgamesh Excerpts

The Story of the Man Who Did Not Wish to Die

How to Live a Never-Ending Novela

Taking Stock of the Risks of Life Without Death

Immortality, Boredom, and Standing for Something

Death, Mortality, and Meaning

Fitting Attitudes Towards Deprivations

The Enchiridion Excerpts

Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion Excerpts

Voluntary Death Excerpts

Letter to Lucilius

Why Grieve

The Significance of Future Generations

Death and Survival Online

Whether One Is Allowed to Kill Oneself Excerpts

Of Suicide Excerpts

Suicide Is Sometimes Rational and Morally Defensible

Suicide and Its Discontents

An Irrational Suicide

World As Will and Representation Excerpts

Death in Mind

Meaning in Life in Spite of Death

Out of the Blue Into the Black

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