Tusculan Disputations · Character

Epicurus

The garden philosopher whose promise that death is nothing to us becomes Cicero's most dangerous rival for Rome's soul.

major

Also known as Epicurus

As a major figure in Tusculan Disputations, Epicurus is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Criticized for his hedonistic views and denial of the soul's immortality; his philosophy is contrasted with Stoic and Platonic ideals.

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Epicurus stands as the great counterweight in Cicero's argument, the teacher who told his followers that pleasure rightly understood is the highest good and that death, being mere dissolution, deserves no fear. Cicero cannot dismiss him, because the Epicurean account of mortality is seductive and coherent, and it threatens to make courage and virtue unnecessary. Much of the dialogue's energy comes from Cicero's determination to beat Epicurus on his own ground, showing that freedom from fear is not the same as greatness of soul.

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Character Web

28 connections

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Relationship types

Rivalry
Social
Other

Character groups

Protagonist
Stoic and Roman exemplars
Diverse historical and philosophical figures
Roman and Greek models

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this excerpt, the emotional and psychological peak occurs as Cicero shifts from cataloging Rome’s political…

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Relationships

Philo of Larissa
rivalry · negative
Philo of Larissa, as an Academic skeptic, often critiques Epicurean philosophy,… How this plays out →
Telamon
social · ambivalent

Relationship notes

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In the story

Epicurus appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Tusculan Disputations
Criticized for his hedonistic views and denial of the soul's immortality; his philosophy is contrasted with Stoic and Platonic ideals.
Book II: On Bearing Pain
Criticized for claiming pain is the greatest evil and for absurdly asserting that a wise man in Phalaris's bull would call it sweet.
Book III: On Grief of Mind
His view on grief is critiqued: he argues that premeditating evils is foolish and that one should turn to pleasure instead.
Book V: Whether Virtue Alone Be Sufficient for a Happy Life
Praised for some noble sayings but faulted for inconsistency, since he defines good as pleasure yet claims the wise can defy fortune.

Chapter companion notes

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