Study Questions

  1. What does Epicurus mean when he claims that “death is nothing to us”? How does he argue for this claim? Should those who fear death be convinced by his argument? Defend your answer.
  2. What is the best sort of life, according to Epicurus? What sorts of things should we pursue, and what should we avoid, on his account? Do you find his picture of the good life attractive? Why or why not?
  3. What is Epicurus’s account of the nature of justice? What makes a law just or unjust, on his view? To what extent does his view make justice vary from society to society? Do you think his account is correct?
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