In what sense were Epicureanism and Stoicism materialistic philosophies?
Epicureanism is a school of philosophy based on the beliefs of Epicurus of Samos. He believed that the human bodies are made up of atoms, which move freely, that is, he gave the concept of ‘free will’. The believers of this school of thought were known as epicureans.
According to the Epicureans, a good life had to be attained in this world only, as there is no afterlife. He believed in material possessions, as the world was itself a physical entity and disbelieved in any afterlife. The Epicureans lived a very simple life and had a nominal meal of simple bread and water. Epicurus believed that intense pleasure was to be avoided for they come with painful consequences.
Stoicism is a philosophy based on the beliefs of Zeno of Citium. Zeno believed that the world was ruled by a divine plan and everything on earth, along with the humans was present for a plan, or, for a specific reason. He believed that all should respect and live in accordance with Mother Nature, for this was a virtue. The followers of stoicism or the disciples of Zeno of Citium were known as stoics.
According to the stoics, a good life consists of accepting one’s fate with utter indifference. They remained unmoved in both joy and sorrow and they believed that one should be courageous in facing whatever happens but should not express their emotions. Stoicism was accepted in the Roman Empire as it was compatible with the Roman law and order.
Epicureanism and Stoicism were both materialistic philosophies in a sense that “the universe is eminently physical, and that includes the soul of man”.
Both these philosophies believed that there is no afterlife and a good life should be lived before dying. The believers of Epicureanism and stoicism assumed that nothing was retained or transferred from one physical configuration to another physical configuration.