The Philosophers

[Maeglin]

I know a fair amount about the 5 greatest Philosopher's (in my opinion): Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, and Zeno. I know the least about the latter 2, and I was wondering if anyone has any good/interesting information on them or would like to discuss anything at all about them. I love studying the philosopher's so it'd be great if anybody has anything for me!:)

[Niniel]

What do you know about them already? I can give you some info (not that much) but maybe you already know something.

[Maeglin]

Well on Epicurian all I really know is his idea for the pleasurable life, which fittingly was named the "Epicurian" way of life, and his quote: "Pleasure is the purpose of life."

On Zeno I know he had the whole idea of Stoicism (stoics) and 3 of his more well-known quotes:
1. "Repression of emotion is the ideal life."
2. "The good life means a virtuous one."
3. "Wanting what you can't have can only bring unhappiness."

That is more or less the extent of my knowledge concerning those 2.

[Turgon]

Well Glorfindel - it's quite a question you ask. A discussion on these two schools of Philosophy could take years! But it's clear that you already know something of their views. I recommend reading Bertrand Russell's 'History of Western Philosophy' a great primer on western philosophy from Thales right through to Karl Marx - it's a good read too! Give it a try! I can give you links to some Epicurian and Stoic texts too if you like, look for the answers from the masters themselves...:)

[Maeglin]

Thanks Turgon, I'll look for that book.:)

[Niniel]

You could also read 'A brief history of Western philosophy' by Anthony Kenny, which is a history from Thales even further than Marx (also 20th-century philosophy is included).

[Walter]

Russell's IMO indeed a good primer, especially on the Greek philosophers, but one should be aware that he's not always objective and of course the book is not quite up to date...

[Niniel]

Yes, our philospohy teacher told us that Russell's book contained serious flaws, especially for the medieval philosophers, but she also said that there was really no introduction to philosophy which had no flaws at all, so you might as well read it.

[Walter]

Please, don't get me wrong, it is a superb book and what - to me - is even more important: It is fun to read.

I just meant that one should know and keep in mind it's disadvantages as well...

[Finduilas]

Ok, here's something from me:

"Only the dead have seen the end of war." (Plato)

From GG's Deep Thoughts... :p:D

[Maeglin]

Wow, you found this thread! And actually posted in it too! I didn't even know that we still had the Time Lords until a few seconds ago when I was just scrolling through every forum here out of sheer boredom! It's quite a coincidence that we both found this at almost the same time. Anyway...I like that quote Finduilas, tis quite a blatantly obvious thing from the mouth of the great Plato, but a great quote all the same, because everything Plato said was great. :D

[Finduilas]

Many coincidences around...:)

Anyway, yes, these words are really wise and...great!:D

And here's something which I really like and believe in:

"Endlessly insignificant is the one who has many reasons to leave the living."
(Epicurus)