ABSTRACT
Thee [Epicurus] who first wast able amid such thick darkness to raise on high so bright a beacon and shed light on the true interests of life, thee I follow, glory of the Greek race"1
Lucretius, On the Nature o f Things
Epicurus Mention the name of Epicurus, and one is likely to think of all
that is bad, which is connected to the theory of utility. Obese winebibber, draped on a couch — is this not the usual conception, if not depiction (perhaps, especially, anciently), of Epicurus? Moreover, his philosophy, by those who do not know it, is considered reprehensible: all that matters is physical pleasures; the simple senses rule over all. Is it not one of the great criticisms of the theory of utility that something like it was put forward by Epicurus? To be considered an Epicurean is hardly a compliment. This view, like all caricatures, is false. However, it is even more false than many. The purpose of this brief chapter is to, if not resurrect Epicurus, then at least save the theory of utility from the charge that there is something wrong in being associated with him.
