What is it about?
This article aims to understand the meaning of the phrase: “Θεοὶ μὲν γὰρ εἰσίν” - “Surely the gods exist” in the context of the so-called letter about the happiness of Epicurus. And to this purpose, it will question the relationship of this enunciate with the program of the “Blessed life” of the philosopher of Samos. Epicuro was presenting his declaration of faith: Θεοὶ εἰσίν? Probably not. But it is true that he used theological language when he presented his plan of happiness. Why did he do it? This is the question that this article will seek to answer.
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Why is it important?
God always has a place in people's lives, this is true for those who confess him and for those who deny him. So whichever side is here, God needs to be faced. In addition, the concepts of guilt and condemnation are always present in the collective unconscious. Epicurus knew this very well. For this reason, he cannot fail to deal with certain theological conceptions that could jeopardize his program on happiness.
Perspectives
In order not to see his project compromised, Epicurus tried to explain that the gods do not interfere in the lives of men. He also took pains to teach that there is no life after death, thus intended to eliminate the fear of divine judgment and eternal damnation. Thus, for a brief moment the materialist philosopher had to turn to questions of a metaphysical and theological nature.
Master in Hermeneutic Studies -//- Adriano da Silva Carvalho
Instituto Brasileiro de Educação Integrada - IBEI
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Deus e a felicidade em epicuro, Vox Scripturae Revista Teológica Internacional, September 2019, Faculdade Luterana de Teologia,
DOI: 10.25188/flt-voxscript(eissn2447-7443)vxxvii.n2.p275-290.asc.
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