Briefly state what constituted the good life according to Skepticism, Cynicism, Epicureanism, and Stoicism.
Skepticism is a school of thought, which is based on the philosophies of Pyrrho of Elis. The followers of Skepticism were known as the ‘Skeptics’. According to the Skeptics, a good life constituted of quietude and tranquility. They sought a simple life and did not believe in anything that they were not sure of.
Two of their basic principles in life were appearances and convention. Appearances constituted of simple sensations and feelings. Conventions were the customs, traditions and laws of the society.
Cynicism is a school of philosophy based on the preaching of Antisthenes. Plato recounted that Antisthenes was present when Socrates was poisoned. Believers of Cynicism were known as Cynics.
According to the Cynics, a good life consisted of being close to nature and living a life which would not have wants, passions and the material aspects. He thought that true happiness was depended on self-sufficiency and a simple, independent and natural life. Antisthenes’s disciple Diogenes lived by begging and rejected all sorts of religious norms, food, fashion, societal manners, among others.
Epicureanism is a school of philosophy based on the beliefs of Epicurus of Samos. He believed that the bodies of human beings are made up of atoms, which can move freely, that is, he gave the concept of free will. He also said that there is no afterlife. 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. 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 everyone should respect and live in accordance with Mother Nature, for this was a virtue. The followers of Stoicism or the teachings 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. To good Romans, only virtue was important and not material possessions.