Utilitarianism - Epicurus

Epicurus was a Roman philosopher that lived from 341 - 270 BCE. He wrote The Principle Doctrines of Epicureanism and was the founder of the school of Epicureanism.

The Principle Doctrines of Epicureanism

• Everything that is good is pleasure, and this is the criteria which we should use to judge everything. 
• The central goal of life is pleasure, and this is immediately recognised from birth. 
• The absence of pain is the greatest pleasure, which is what makes Epicureanism different from Hedonism. 
• Mental pleasures are superior to physical pleasures as your mind has the capacity to enjoy the past, present and future. 
• Everyone can access pleasure equally.
• Happiness depends on friendship.
• Peace of mind is more important than social or financial success.
• The first doctrine says "A blessed and indestructible being (God(s))...brings no trouble upon another being", meaning that Gods in this polytheistic philosophy don't get pleasure from being concerned with humans, so determinism is wrong. This was a very controversial statement at the time (around 300 BCE) as it stated that religion doesn't bring pleasure. This brought violent reactions, including Alexander the Oracle burning the doctrines in a public place and throwing them into the sea.