Describe and critically assess Epicuruss argument that we are not Essay

Describe and critically assess Epicuruss argument that we are not harmed by our own death. (Note, the question asks you about Epicuruss argument, not Lucretius argument.) - Essay Example Majority of the people approaches their end of life situations with lot of concerns and discomfort because of the uncertainty about the life after death. At the same time many others accept death with pleasure and dignity. Epicurus was ancient Greek philosopher who argued that the worries about death are meaningless. In his opinion, since as long as we exist, death is not with us, but when death comes, then we do not exist". This paper critically analyses the arguments of Epicurus with respect to life, death, pleasure pain etc. â€Å"Death does not concern us, because as long as we exist, death is not here. And when it does come, we no longer exist† (Epicurus quotes, n. d). The above argument seems to be logical when we analyse it in a layman’s point of view. In other words, there is no point in worrying about something which may happen in future. Human lives in present and therefore past and future may not be significant in his life. What happened in the past and what is going to happen in future are unimportant when we consider what is taking place at present. Moreover it is unwise to sacrifice the pleasure in present life for attaining future glory or happiness. At the same time, when we analyse Epicurus’s argument in depth, we may face many other questions. We have to answer the mind-body problem clearly before supporting or opposing Epicurus’s argument. It is a fact that human body is driven by a force or energy called mind or soul. Even science has no doubt about the existence of mind or soul in the body of human. Science already proved that in order to perform certain works, force or energy is required. In other words, in order to make the human body functional, mind or soul in necessary. In other words, mind or soul is the driving force of human body which is an accepted scientific fact. If that is correct, the question of what happens to mind or soul after death is