ABSTRACT
In the Hellenistic period the philosophical landscape became increasingly varied. The Stoic and Epicurean schools transformed philosophy into something that was of more than theoretical interest, something that should also be lived, carrying the promise of happiness for those who were prepared to follow its lead. The fact that Epicureanism presented itself as a liberating philosophy does not imply that it should be regarded as some kind of pseudo-religion, as has been argued, for example by the existentialist philosopher Karl Jaspers, who in this connection used the label Wissenschaftsaberglaube. Epicurus' acceptance of the reality of the phenomenal properties of compound bodies is of importance to his psychology as well. Epicurus' theory of friendship may serve as an example of his willingness to incorporate certain traditional notions and values without thereby compromising the structure and coherence of his hedonistic ethics.
