Epicurus — Questions and answers

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What was Epicurus's main idea about pleasure?

Choices

  1. Pleasure is the greatest good, meaning a life free from pain and full of simple joys. ✓
  2. Pleasure is having endless choices and pressures.
  3. Pleasure is about being a modern philosopher.
  4. Pleasure is only for ancient Greek people.

Answer: Pleasure is the greatest good, meaning a life free from pain and full of simple joys.

From page 1

What did Epicurus do in Athens during the chaotic Hellenistic Period?

Choices

  1. He joined Alexander the Great's army.
  2. He helped the old city-states crumble.
  3. He established 'The Garden' to live by his principles. ✓
  4. He only read books on a bench.

Answer: He established 'The Garden' to live by his principles.

From page 2

What did Idris say was a common misunderstanding about Epicurus's idea of pleasure?

Choices

  1. That it was about wild parties and endless indulgence. ✓
  2. That he valued tranquility above all else.
  3. That Katya was wrong to ask about it.
  4. That he focused on different types of pleasure.

Answer: That it was about wild parties and endless indulgence.

From page 3

What did Epicurus believe about death, according to Idris?

Choices

  1. It was something to be greatly feared.
  2. It was simply the scattering of atoms and not to be feared. ✓
  3. It had no connection to pleasure.
  4. It was a purely scientific concept.

Answer: It was simply the scattering of atoms and not to be feared.

From page 4

What was the purpose of Epicurus's 'Four-Part Cure' or 'Tetrapharmakos'?

Choices

  1. To make people fear God and death.
  2. To make terrible things easy to endure.
  3. To obtain good things that are difficult to get.
  4. To eliminate the major sources of human anxiety. ✓

Answer: To eliminate the major sources of human anxiety.

From page 5

Why did critics often misrepresent Epicurus's views?

Choices

  1. They understood the depth of his philosophy perfectly.
  2. They focused on the word 'pleasure' without understanding its true meaning in his philosophy. ✓
  3. They believed he advocated for reasoned choice and moderation.
  4. They thought he wanted a life of pure sensation.

Answer: They focused on the word 'pleasure' without understanding its true meaning in his philosophy.

From page 7

According to Idris, what does Epicurus teach us to value?

Choices

  1. External possessions and status.
  2. Our well-being, relationships, and peace of mind. ✓
  3. Only silver dishes.
  4. Being a Stoic philosopher like Seneca.

Answer: Our well-being, relationships, and peace of mind.

From page 8

What did Epicurus's 'Garden' mean, beyond just a physical place?

Choices

  1. A place to plant actual flowers and trees.
  2. A way of life focusing on inner tranquility and joy. ✓
  3. A place to seek fleeting thrills.
  4. Only a complex world.

Answer: A way of life focusing on inner tranquility and joy.

From page 10