Aristotle and Epicurus on Science
Why do we pursue knowledge?
This is quite possibly the most fundamental question behind all scientific inquiry. What’s fascinating though, are the two conclusions that come from this query.
Knowledge is intrinsically valuable, and this value is not a result of any sort of utility.
Knowledge is valuable as a means for helping others, oneself, and cultivating human flourishing.
As we’ll see, the two philosophers Aristotle and Epicurus largely held different views on this question, with Aristotle siding with (I) and Epicurus on the side of (II).
An important premise for Aristotle’s argument is the nature of humanity. That is, the nature of us as rational beings. And what he argues is that rational beings ought to act in a way that accords with their nature. This means that it is our purpose to seek knowledge, and it's done simply to fulfill our desires to understand the world.
What’s perplexing, though, is the fact that Aristotle asserted that happiness/flourishing is the ultimate objective of human life, not the pursuit of knowledge. The defining characteristic of this objective is that it is something pursued for its own sake, not for the sake of something else. Here's an example illustrating this concept:
Money: it has no value in itself, but can be exchanged for other goods which do provide value. Therefore, its value is in it being a means of acquiring other things, which could, perhaps, bring happiness.
Happiness: try answering the question, “why do you want to be happy?” It’s impossible, because happiness is valuable in itself.
In this way, his two ideas seem to be in opposition with one another. How can knowledge be intrinsically valuable if happiness is the only thing that exhibits this nature. It makes more sense if all other things, including knowledge, serve as a means of achieving happiness.
Interestingly, the Hellenistic philosopher Epicurus takes this very position. He was all about the concept of ataraxia, which is a tranquility free of disturbance and anxiety. Science, for him, aims at helping individuals achieve this tranquility. He claimed that it does this through explanation, since we often fear things which we don’t understand. Think of how terrifying something like a thunderstorm would be without a rational explanation for why it happens.
Epicurus aimed to dispel these fears through scientific explanation. His famous “Letter to Menoeceus” is a prime example. This letter’s topic of focus is death. Epicurus aims to provide a rational and philosophical explanation so that people may fear it less.
While Epicurus concerned himself primarily with explanation, his teachings can be applied broadly in a modern sense to topics such as medicine or assistive technologies. The aim of our pursuit of knowledge can be directed at these fields for the purpose of eliminating human suffering and enabling flourishing.
The future necessitates individuals who combine contemplation and action. Through contemplation, we develop the strong ethical foundations to guide our missions, and through action, we bring our ideas to life with the previously mentioned guidance. Knowledge for its own sake and knowledge for the sake of human flourishing may not be mutually exclusive. Both are incredibly powerful, and both should be welcomed in the coming years.
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