Epicureanism sees friendship as crucial for achieving happiness and tranquility. It's not just about warm feelings – friends provide practical support too. Epicureans believe helping others and looking out for yourself go hand in hand.

The Garden of Epicurus showed these ideas in action. It was a community where people lived simply, shared meals, and talked philosophy. This setup challenged social norms and became a model for other Epicurean groups.

Nature of Friendship in Epicureanism

Philía and Its Importance in Epicureanism

• Philía represents deep friendship or love in Epicurean philosophy
• Epicureans view philía as essential for achieving ataraxia (state of tranquility)
• Friendship contributes to pleasure and happiness by providing emotional support
• Philía involves mutual care, trust, and shared intellectual pursuits
• Epicurus emphasized cultivating friendships as a key component of the good life

Utilitarian Aspects of Epicurean Friendship

• Epicureans recognize practical benefits of friendship beyond emotional fulfillment
• Friends offer material assistance during times of need (sharing resources, providing shelter)
• Friendship provides security through mutual protection and support
• Epicureans view friendship as a means to enhance personal well-being and pleasure
• Utilitarian approach balances self-interest with concern for others' welfare

Reconciling Self-Interest and Altruism in Friendship

• Epicureans argue self-interest and altruism are not mutually exclusive in friendship
• Helping friends brings personal satisfaction and contributes to one's own happiness
• Altruistic acts toward friends align with long-term self-interest by fostering reciprocity
• Epicureans advocate for genuine care for friends' well-being, not just instrumental relationships
• Balance between self-interest and altruism creates stable, mutually beneficial friendships

Epicurean Community

The Concept of a Community of Sages

• Epicureans envisioned an ideal community composed of wise individuals (sages)
• Community of sages pursues philosophical knowledge and ethical living
• Members support each other in achieving ataraxia and living according to Epicurean principles
• Sages engage in intellectual discussions and shared contemplation of nature
• Community provides a model for harmonious social relationships based on friendship

The Garden of Epicurus as a Practical Example

• Garden of Epicurus served as a physical manifestation of Epicurean community ideals
• Located in Athens, the Garden functioned as a school and living space for Epicureans
• Members of the Garden practiced simple living, shared meals, and engaged in philosophical discourse
• Garden community included diverse members (men, women, slaves) challenging social norms of the time
• Epicurus' Garden became a model for later Epicurean communities throughout the ancient world

Social Contract and Its Role in Epicurean Thought

• Epicureans developed a theory of social contract to explain the formation of societies
• Social contract viewed as an agreement among individuals for mutual benefit and protection
• Epicureans argue that laws and justice arise from this social contract, not divine or natural law
• Community members agree to follow rules to secure personal safety and social harmony
• Social contract theory aligns with Epicurean emphasis on rational self-interest in human behavior