# Epicurus — The Theory of Moral Sentiments character guide

> Epicurus in The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0065-ii-of-those-systems-which-make-virtue-consist-in-prudence

## Who they are

Greek philosopher whose system of virtue as prudence is examined.

## Relationships

### [Parmenio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/parmenio)

_psychological_

Epicurus is contrasted with Parmenio to illustrate different motivations for action.

## In the story

### [Part I: Of the Propriety of Action](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/part-i-of-the-propriety-of-action)

Referenced in the context of moral philosophy and the role of pleasure in human action.

### [Section I: Of the Sense of Propriety](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/section-i-of-the-sense-of-propriety)

Mentioned in the context of systems that derive moral approval from self-love.

### [Part VII: Of Systems of Moral Philosophy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/part-vii-of-systems-of-moral-philosophy)

Epicurus's system is examined as one that derives virtue from prudence and pleasure.

### [Of Those Systems Which Make Virtue Consist in Prudence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/ii-of-those-systems-which-make-virtue-consist-in-prudence)

Epicurus is the central figure of the chapter; his system makes virtue consist in prudence, reducing all desires to bodily pleasure and pain.

### [IV: Of Licentious Systems](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/iv-of-licentious-systems)

Epicurus's system is discussed as the most imperfect of the three, yet it shows how virtue promotes self-interest, ease, and security.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/epicurus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters