Deck 8: Letter to Menoeceus

Question 1

What are the benefits of studying philosophy, according to Epicurus?

A) it enables us to question our political leaders
B) it prepares the young not to fear what happens in the future
C) it allows the old to reflect positively upon good things in life
D) both b and c

Answer 1

both b and c

Question 2

Epicurus states that coming to believe that death is "nothing to us" is beneficial because

A) the gods bless those who are indifferent to death
B) it frees us from the desire for immortality and the fear of death
C) it leads to greater prosperity and wealth
D) a focus on death makes us annoying to others

Answer 2

it frees us from the desire for immortality and the fear of death

Question 3

For Epicurus, happiness is attained not by pursuing sensual pleasures but by being free of bodily pain and mental turmoil.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

With which of the following statements about pleasure does Epicurus agree?

A) Our choices are guided by the expectation of pleasure.
B) We rationally reject lesser pleasures in the expectation of greater pleasure later on.
C) We rationally choose pains in the expectation that they will result in greater pleasure overall.
D) All of the above

Question 5

The most important virtue in human life, according to Epicurus, is

A) temperance
B) honor
C) prudence
D) justice

Question 6

What does Epicurus mean by his claim that "death is nothing to us," and what reasons does he provide in support of that claim? Are you convinced by Epicurus' reasoning? Why or why not?

Question 7

Epicurus seemed to believe that the fear of death and worries about immortality contribute to living an unhappy life. Is he correct about that? What evidence is there for (or against) Epicurus' belief?