Theories of Friendship and Happiness (Essay Sample)

Student’s Name:
Professor’s Name:
Course:
Date:
Philosophy: Theories of Friendship and Happiness
Epicurus was a prominent figure in philosophy during the Hellenistic period. The philosopher argued that the essence of happiness is pleasure. In other words, humans exist primarily to enjoy life by engaging in various activities that support such feelings, including sex and food. Additionally, Epicurus argued that false beliefs negate the purpose of pleasure and happiness by causing pain (Lobel 10). For instance, fearing that the gods will punish people or imagining a bleak future causes people to lose the enthusiasm of life. Epicurus distinguished the two types of pleasure: moving and static pleasure.
However, Aristotle would make three objections to Epicurus' explanation. Firstly, Aristotle understood happiness to emanate from individuals' virtue as opposed to the outside environment.  The claim would be a contrast to Epicurus, who believed that