Introduction
Plato and Epicurus are some of the greatest thinkers whose ideas remain relevant and applicable in the world today. These philosophers examined and studied the questions of ethics and morality from different perspectives. In the Republic, Plato gives a detailed analysis of the “good” while Epicurus describes the notion of “good life” in his Letter to Monoeceus. This paper gives a detailed analysis of the thoughts these philosophers present and how they help more people pursue their ethical goals in their lives.
Plato’s Philosophy
In the Republic, Plato develops and advances a unique argument that could help readers get a clear understanding of the concept of “good”. He does so with the aim of guiding thinkers become philosopher-kings and be able to achieve all other aspects in life. In the work, it is evident that Plato uses dialogue to identify the concept as a perfect and changeless element existing outside human time and space. Consequently, all good things will share these unique and powerful attributes. The conversations between Glaucon and Socrates help the reader equate and compare the concept of good to the sun (Plato 12). Specifically, the thinker tries to explain how the idea of good will exist within the intelligible sphere or realm. Through such an idea, good is what will provide truth to all things human beings appreciate and understand in their lives. When people pursue such an ideology, chances are high that they will be closer towards finding the truth and knowledge.
When people embrace this concept of “good”, Plato reveals that they will be in a position to appreciate and understand all complicated things, including justice. While such good is non-living, the Republic proves that it remains superior and more prized than all the other things (Plato 19). Those who embrace the analogy of the sun to learn more about this concept will be closer to both the truth and knowledge. The notion of philosophical reasoning emerges when individuals intend to pursue the described good successfully. Through these ideas, it is evident that Plato uses such arguments to develop and support his theory of happiness and eudaimonia. According to him, human beings need to develop the right skills, moral conduct, and behaviors that will take them to maximum happiness and complete wellbeing.
Epicurus’ Philosophy
Epicurus is another great philosopher whose ethical theory revolves around happiness. He explains how human beings can engage in desirable practices and avoid actions that might result in pain and anguish. In the work Letter to Monoeceus, the reader identifies a number of aspects and goals that are available to those who want to achieve or have a “good life”. To achieve such a goal, Epicurus believes that individuals should be keen to get rid and abstain from any unnecessary desire in life (Epicurus 7). This initiative will make it easier for them to achieve ataxia, also known as inner tranquility. The philosopher goes further to encourage people to engage in epistemological conversations about some of the topics that matter the most in life, including physical pleasures, food and diet, and sex.
When people pursue intellectual pursuits while focusing on happiness, they will benefit from a good life characterized by wisdom. Such individuals will become virtuous and capable of overcoming most of the emerging challenges. With this understanding, individuals will focus on some of the key attributes that amount to a good life characterized by happiness. These would include freedom, friendship, and self-sufficiency (Epicurus 25). These attributes form the basis or foundation of Epicurus’ ethical theories.
Leading the Most Ethical Life
The above discussion has identified the key arguments Plato and Epicurus present in their works. Plato believes that the concept of good could allow people to focus on knowledge and justice. According to the thinker, the concept is more prized and guides people to avoid all unnecessary things and issues that could result in pain or unhappiness. Through the power of good, individuals will be empowered to act intelligently, promote justice, and ensure other lead ethical and contended lives. With philosophical reasoning, people will pursue the good and act ethically and morally in their lives. For Epicurus, a hedonistic approach emerges as the best strategy for living an ethical life (Epicurus 8). Specifically, he encourages readers to take the issues of self-sufficiency, good friends, and freedom seriously. This approach will take them closer to happiness and encourage them to avoid actions that are unnecessary or wrong. While putting their eyes on the good life, such individuals act maturely, avoid sin, and embrace moral pleasures. Such an outcome will be possible since all people will be focusing on the best ways to maximize their happiness.
For Plato, people should behave and act in such a way that their motives are driven by the concept of the good. This powerful attributes illuminate and encourage people to pursue the truth, justice, and knowledge in all their actions. Epicurus, on the other hand, guides people to act ethically and only focuses on actions and thoughts that will eventually maximize happiness (Epicurus 22). For example, the example of identifying new friends who could be engaged philosophically is a unique way of behaving positively. People only need to pursue modest pleasures if they are to become fearless and avoid bodily harm.
Plato succeeds in presenting powerful arguments that describe the true purpose of life. In the studied work, it is evident that the real goal would be to consider the most appropriate ways to attain knowledge. When individuals take the notion of the good seriously, chances are high that they derive both value and utility (Epicurus 24). This kind of thought would differ significantly from that Epicurus. For him, the ultimate goal of human life would be to pursue happiness through these key actions: avoiding anxiety, remaining humble, considering ways to become self-sufficient, and attracting true friends.
Similarities and Differences
From the above analyses, it is agreeable that the philosophers present diverse ideas that try to support the notion of an ethical life. While the thoughts appear different, the agreeable fact is that the ideas converge by encouraging people to focus on integrity and goodness. However, some differences exist since Epicurus encourages people to focus on happiness as the ultimate goal of life while Plato encourages his followers to pursue knowledge and wisdom (Plato 18). Additionally, the concepts of “good” and “good life” appear to present different notions to the targeted readers. Finally, the works and thoughts of these philosophers are agreeable and convincing since they can help more people lead contented lives and improve their ethical foundations.
Conclusion
The above discussion has identified Plato and Epicurus as great thinkers whose thoughts guide more people to lead good lives. While their concepts of good and good life are different in terms of definitions, the reader realizes that they encourage human beings to focus on the best ways to remain ethical, wise, and happy. A proper analysis of these similarities and differences can make it possible for people to develop superior philosophies that can make them successful in their respective lives.
Works Cited
Epicurus. Letter to Monoeceus: Epicurus. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016.
Plato. Republic. Oxford University Press, 2008.