CYRENAIC SCHOOL Meaning and
Definition
-
The Cyrenaic school, also known as the Cyrenaics, refers to an ancient philosophical school that originated in the city of Cyrene, Libya during the 4th century BC. Founded by Aristippus, a disciple of Socrates, the Cyrenaic school sought to comprehend the nature of pleasure and happiness as the ultimate goals in life.
The core principle of the Cyrenaic school was Hedonism, which posits that pleasure and the avoidance of pain are the highest ideals. According to the Cyrenaics, each individual is responsible for their own pleasure, and the pursuit of immediate sensual gratification is paramount. They rejected the notion of long-term consequences or social morals, focusing solely on the present moment.
The philosophy of the Cyrenaics emphasized the importance of sensual pleasures, such as food, drink, and physical experiences, as the key sources of happiness. They suggested that these pleasures should be pursued without hesitation or delay, without consideration for the ethical or social implications.
The teachings of the Cyrenaic school influenced subsequent branches of philosophy, particularly Epicureanism and Hedonism. However, the Cyrenaics differed from other schools by disregarding the value of friendship, intellectual pursuits, and higher pleasures. Their philosophy was often criticized for its excessive focus on immediate gratification, as some argued it failed to account for the long-term consequences of one's actions.
In summary, the Cyrenaic school was an ancient philosophical movement that championed the pursuit of immediate sensual pleasure as the primary goal in life. While their philosophy influenced later schools of thought, the Cyrenaics faced criticism for their disregard of long-term consequences and social ethics.
Etymology of CYRENAIC SCHOOL
The word "Cyrenaic" is derived from Cyrene, an ancient Greek colony located in modern-day Libya. The Cyrenaic school was founded by Aristippus of Cyrene, a Greek philosopher, who lived around the 4th century BCE. The school became known as the "Cyrenaic school" because it was based in Cyrene and followed the teachings of Aristippus. Aristippus and his followers were known for their philosophy of hedonism, which emphasized the pursuit of pleasure as the highest aim in life. Hence, the term "Cyrenaic school" refers to the philosophical school of thought originating from Cyrene and associated with Aristippus.
