Frequently Asked Questions
Our FAQ is in a stage of on-going renovation and improvement. Each FAQ answer has a link to a discussion thread where the topic can be discussed. Please use those links for specific topics but also feel free to make general suggestions in the general FAQ thread here.
Key Greek Words
The Meaning of the Greek Word "Aponia"
"Aponia" is a key term in Epicurean philosophy. What exactly does it mean? There seems to be a consensus that it translates to "absence of pain," but is this a reference to bodily pain, to mental pain, to both, or with other connotations? This thread is for discussion of the meaning of "Aponia," including citations to reference where the term appears in Epicurean texts.
ἡ, (ἄπονος)
A non-exertion, laziness, X.Cyr.2.2.25, Arist.Rh.…
The meaning of Ataraxia is discussed here:
Thread
The Meaning of the Greek Word "Ataraxia"
"Ataraxia" is a key term in Epicurean philosophy. What exactly does it mean? There seems to be a consensus that it translates to "absence of disturbance," but is this a reference to bodily disturbance, to mental disturbance, to both, or with other connotations? How is "disturbance" different from "pain?" This thread is for discussion of the meaning of "Ataraxia," including citations to reference where the term appears in Epicurean texts.
The meaning of "Eudaemonia" is discussed here:
Thread
The Meaning of the Greek Word "Eudaemonia"
"Eudaemonia" is a key term in Epicurean philosophy. What exactly does it mean? There seems to be a consensus that it translates to "good spirit," but is this a reference to happiness, or to something else? This thread is for discussion of the meaning of "Ataraxia," including citations to reference where the term appears in Epicurean texts.
For the time being - Elli's vocabulary list -- which is excellent - but which unfortunately we cannot expect most new people to have access to: