Introduction
Although people desire to live a happy life, they face many challenges in their struggles to attain it. In a bid to understand the real meaning of life, many philosophers provided different approaches, which people need to use to achieve their life goals. In this view, moral theories question morality of approaches that people use to accomplish their aims. According to Aristotle, characters of people and the lifestyles that they choose to live determine their actions and morals. Hence, this paper discusses the Epicureanism and Stoicism philosophies, which have distinct theories that stipulate how people can attain happy life.
Epicurean Moral Theories
Epicureanism encourages people to attain happiness by eliminating physical pain and any form of anxiety in their lives. In his teachings, Epicurus encourages the pursuit of a pain free life with limited struggles. If one can afford a shelter and do away with hunger, then one can lead a happy life. Epicureanism discourages people from engaging in luxurious lifestyles, which lead to unattainable anxieties.
According to Epicureanism teachings, one should not compete with the rich because it is a futile exercise. It is essential to have friends who are the like-minded persons of yours. Epicureanism discourages the fear of death, but it views death as the end of physical and mental life. When people die, there is complete loss of consciousness and pain. Moreover, Epicureanism does not object to the existence of a God, but argues that the gods, which live in space, are not interested in human beings.
Contrastingly, critics argue that Epicureanism does not reflect morality. The unrestrained search for pleasure to alleviate pain leads to overindulgence. According to the critics, Epicureanism supports laziness because it encourages satisfaction in basic needs such as shelter and food. Additionally, Epicureanism encourages development of withdrawal attitude, which leads to neglect of the human spirit of socialization. As it encourages people to associate with like-minded friends, Epicureanism is a barrier to development. The perception of pain in the Epicurus’ teachings is a paradox because in the everyday life, people can feel pain in instances of sickness and accidents, but not necessarily due to hunger.
Stoic moral theories
Stoicism does not encourage pleasure as Epicureanism does. It postulates a holistic account of self-sufficiency, self-preservation, unbiased thinking, and embraces the virtue of wisdom. Stoicism is rooted in moral virtue, which holds that happiness results from wisdom. Stoicism insists on management of feelings that can affect the interpersonal relationships such as anger and fear. The teachings of stoicism indicate that a wise person is happy despite underlying emotions and problems. Stoics say that suicide is a result of an extreme suffering due to lack of wisdom. Hence, Stoicism advocates for the brotherly love and supporting one another, while lazy and coward individuals are considered as outcasts of the community.
Stoicism teachings contain precious moral virtues. However, criticism of the free rider problem arises. One person’s action could cause the whole society to benefit or suffer. Stoic views are indifferent to natural issues such as instant love, food, and friendship, which are natural occurrences that are impractical.
Conclusion
The ideological perception of happiness and the way of attaining it are different in the two theories. Stoicism accepts the existence of situations beyond control, and despite the criticisms, stoicism contains pragmatic values that nurture wisdom, happiness, and virtues. It offers sound advice that illuminates the path of our actions and tender useful solutions to the frequent challenges of life. On the other hand, Epicureanism suggests an absolute control of actions. Epicureanism teachings are impracticable in real life and persons adopting them need to learn and attain a blissful life.