Political Science 2237E Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Epicurus
8 Mar 2018
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Document Summary
Group of friends replaces eikos and polis as most important unit. Old polis is no longer possible due to empire. In empire, no democracy, highly centralized and concentrated. Simple life - just need things to survive. Natural wealth is limited and easy to acquire but wealth as defined by groundless opinion extends without limit. Values stability, security, protection - constitution should provide stability. Local peace - friends to be left alone, secure property. Can be ok with any of aristotle"s polities. Aristotle will say it will be hard for bad polity to leave us alone -> likely to be good polity will be good for epicurus. Monarchy is probably best - lives in empire and will leave people alone. Small polity - demands participation and responsibility. Multiple small polities - more likely to go to war. Empire is stable and mix of friends, bigger, pushes opponents away - peaceful life and security. Political institutions should be based on justice.
