The Relationship between Suffering and Pleasure in Epicurus’ Thought: A Reinterpretation of a Theory in Philosophical Psychotherapy

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Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Clinical Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Ahar Branch of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran

2 PhD graduate in Philosophy (Ancient Greek specialization) from the University of Tabriz.

3 M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Tabriz Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.

Abstract

Epicurus, the Greek philosopher of the fourth century BCE, founded his philosophical system upon the dialectical resolution of the relationship between "pleasure" and "suffering." Contrary to popular interpretations, pleasure in his thought is not hedonistic indulgence but rather the "absence of bodily pain and mental disturbance." For this reason, his philosophy is not a superficial hedonism but a theoretical foundation for the "care of the self." Employing qualitative content analysis and drawing upon the contemporary philosophical psychotherapy approach – which seeks to revive philosophy as an art of living and rational treatment of existential sufferings – this article reexamines the relationship between suffering and pleasure in Epicurus' works and demonstrates that his fourfold therapeutic structure (Tetrapharmakos) can be regarded as a premodern "cognitive restructuring" protocol. This protocol is consistent with the fundamental principles of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and the modern concept of "stress management." The findings indicate that suffering in this model is not an "absolute evil" but rather a "diagnostic sign" and a warning of the presence of "irrational beliefs." These hidden and false beliefs – fear of the gods, fear of death, and fear of fate – identified through "Epicurean surgery," constitute the primary source of mental disturbances. The elimination of these beliefs is not an escape from suffering but rather a "passage" toward "enduring tranquility" as the common goal of Epicurus' philosophy and contemporary existential psychotherapies.

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Journal of Philosophical Investigations

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 12 May 2026

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