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Epicurus 'physics is based on Democritus' idea that the world is made up of atoms and emptiness. The main difference between Epicurus and Democritus in the field of physics is that if Democritus considered the movement of atoms strictly regular (thereby denying free will, since everything is predetermined by the regular movement of atoms), then Epicurus argued that there is an element of randomness in the movement of atoms (thereby recognizing free will).
Epicurus develops two ideas from his atomistic physics. First, that the soul, which is also composed of atoms, is mortal. Secondly, that the eternally blessed immortal gods are composed of special, perfect atoms and reside in inter-world space. Since the gods are blessed there, they are indifferent, do not interfere in worldly affairs, and do not punish anyone for crimes. Hence Epicurus concludes that the two main fears of man-the fear of death (more precisely, posthumous retribution) and the fear of the gods-are groundless. As Epicurus himself says, ” while we are, there is no death, but when death appears, we are no more.” Therefore, we will never meet with death.
The ethical conclusion from this concept is made in favor of hedonism – that is, a life aimed at obtaining pleasure, enjoyment. Indeed, if this life is the only one , then the only thing that remains is to live it in the most interesting and pleasant way. And since Epicurus recognizes free will, it turns out that it is quite possible for everyone to make their life happy.