Essay Questions

What are some of the differences between Epicurus’s view about the existence and state of the atoms and that of Democritus?

First of all, Democritus believed atoms do not have any weight and do not move but rather just stay suspended in the void. Epicurus suggests that this is not possible and that the atoms, while are identical, have characteristics such as shape and weight as well as the ability to move through space. Another main difference is that Democritus sees atoms as being similar to humans and thus capable of intelligent thought and feeling complex emotions. But, as Epicurus tries to prove, atoms are not living beings and as such cannot have the same attributes as an intelligent human.

How does Epicurus see the Gods?

When Epicurus wrote his essays, the Gods were seen as all-powerful beings who watch over the men and women on earth with great interest. At times, the Gods even become involved with normal men and women and need their help in order to survive. The relationship between the deities and the normal society is seen as an extremely close one, neither being able to survive one without the other. Epicurus sees the Gods of the time extremely different. In his opinion, the Gods do exist but they are not interested in the fate of humanity. Thus, the Gods are described as being distant and cold, making them unworthy to be praised by humanity.

How does Epicurus link the senses and knowledge?

For the author, they are linked and in some cases are even presented as being the same. The senses are the main channel through which a person gains knowledge and the most reliable source. If a person sees, feels and hears something, then the lessons that person will learn will be the closest to the truth as possible. Gaining knowledge is impossible without employing all the senses a person has and while a person admits that a lot can be learned through books, the senses provide a better sense of reality.