Reflections of Epicurus, Seneca and La Mettrie on Happy Life

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to study the views of Epicurus, Seneca and La Mettrie on the issue of happiness in their comparison and comparative analysis. Although these concepts differ from each other they are united by one fundamental idea, which consists in the fact that happiness is the human experience of the perfection of being.Research methodology. The author uses such methodological approaches as historical, sociocultural and systemic ones for studying the views of Epicurus, Seneca and La Mettrie on the content and essence of one of the basic concepts of ethics, namely the category of happiness, as well as reflections of these philosophers on the prerequisites of happiness as a specific state of life. The author also uses analytical, comparative, and terminological methods of research. A descriptive method is used as an additional one to present the content of the concepts of the philosophers.Results. Epicurus and his researchers concentrated on happiness as a state of life and as one of the main concepts of ethical philosophy. According to Epicurus, happiness is the perfection of life, it consists in mental health, which is achieved under the condition of engaging in philosophy as a teaching on a wise and balanced way of life. Happiness is impossible without material pleasures, but they must be subjected to the requirements of reason and social norms. Almost three and a half centuries after the death of Epicurus, the representative of ancient Roman Stoicism, Seneca, studied the issue of happiness. In understanding the content of happiness, he focused more on the importance of reason than on sensual pleasures. However, he did not decrease the significance of such forms of sensual reflection as will and conscience. He agreed with Epicurus that mind should control the pleasures. In his opinion, only a wise, courageous person, keeping the balance between the pleasures of body and spirit can be truly happy. Julien Offray de La Mettrie, one of the representatives of the French Enlightenment, was a follower of the teaching of Epicurus. He preferred the “model” of happiness, which was based on sensual ideas. According to La Mettrie, happiness is the highest level of sensuality, a complex of mostly sensual pleasures. He criticized Seneca for being too rational in understanding human happiness. J. O. de La Mettrie noted that he, as a follower of Epicurus’s philosophy, respected the ethical views of Seneca, especially his teachings concerning the need of enduring misfortune, illness, depression, fear of death. The dialogue between epicureanism and stoicism continues at present, it remains relevant at the new stages of philosophical and ethical discourses.Novelty. Although the concepts of happiness of Epicurus, Seneca, and J. O. de La Mettrie differ from each other they are united by one fundamental idea, which consists in the fact that happiness is the human experience of the perfection of being. It is required to observe the following principles: to live in harmony and intellectual reflections with their challenges, to be in sympathy with oneself and society.The practical significance. The materials of this paper are of theoretical importance for further research of the philosophical heritage in terms of ethical issues, including human happiness. They can be used in the process of studying the humanities at institutions of higher education and developing new textbooks for students.