Examine and discuss the philosophical views developed by Epicurus - Essay Example

They cannot be created or destroyed though there can be added or subtracted to provide different structure. He is of the view that atoms exit in different shapes and he states, “for so many varieties of things as we see could never have arisen out of a recurrence of a definite number of the same shapes. The like atoms of each shape are absolutely infinite, but the variety of shapes…not absolutely infinite” (Epicuris.net 12).These atoms are moving all the time as mentioned in Herodotus, “The atoms are in continual motion through all eternity (Epicuris.net 13)” Furthermore, Epicurus gave reasons that these invisible atoms were of different sizes that provide different sensations and feelings in people as mentioned, “Again, you should not suppose that the atoms have any and every size, lest you be contradicted by facts; but differences of size must be admitted; for this addition renders the facts of feeling and sensation easier of explanation” (Epicuris.net p.27).

Epicurus did not approve of the idea that there was indivisibility of matter as atoms are not divisible. Epicurus believed that cosmos consisted of many worlds that were endless in number, had their point of origination and ends and were in constant movement. It is mentioned in a letter to Herodotus where he clearly stated that these cannot be divided or changed (Epicuris.net p.9). Epicurus had the view that cosmos could be explained by humanistic experiences as humans could remain happy if they became free of supernatural agents like Gods, fear of life after, punishments.

Epicurus had the view that it was the nature of human beings that they associate knowledge of cosmos with facts that should be based on empirical data. However, for Epicurus, human beings sensation is the foundations of any investigations of cosmos. According to him, sciences are still inexhaustible which makes the