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Epicurus And Lucretius: Is It Rational To Fear Death?

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Is it rational to fear death? The scientific explanation for death is that it is the permanent ending of vital processes in a cell or tissue. Many philosophers have expressed their opinions on this frequently debated topic. A philosopher with a strong viewpoint on this is Epicurus. Epicurus was an empiricist, which means he thought that the only valid way to learn about the universe is through the senses. According to Epicurus, fear of death is irrational because the universe is limitless and eternal. Lucretius is a philosopher who holds a strong opinion on this subject. Lucretius was an atheist who rejected the existence of gods and souls. He believed that all of nature was composed of evolving substances. He thought that all of nature was made of continually changing matter. Lucretius was concerned that our fear of death would result in irrational beliefs and behaviors that might be destructive to society. …show more content…

Lucretius states in his book "The Nature of Things", " Death is nothing to us" and that since we cease to exist after death, we are unable to feel any emotions, including pain and fear. The no-harm argument is also related to Epicurus's thoughts about death. According to Epericus, "When we exist, death is not yet present, and when death is present, then we do not exist.". The article "Immortality and Fear of
Death" says. Death cannot be bad for the living since they are still alive, and it cannot be bad for the dead because they are no longer alive and no longer experience suffering. Furthermore, there is no need to be afraid of death if it cannot harm either the living or the dead. Ultimately, both philosophers agree that there is no harm in dying because there is no pain experienced when one is

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