The Hedonism of Eudoxus of Cnidus

Eudoxus of Cnidus was a philosopher who identified the good as pleasure (hedonism). Plato and Aristotle both influenced him, with Aristotle providing the materials for reconstructing his arguments. These arguments foreshadowed everything in the Western tradition that favors the positive value of pleasure and point toward a hedonism that values the cultivation of activities like mathematics and astronomy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 74 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Eudoxus of Cnidus, a renowned mathematician and astronomer, lived in the same era as Plato and Aristotle, exerting influence on both philosophers during his time in Athens. His ethical doctrine, known as hedonism, identified pleasure as the ultimate good. While Plato seemed uncertain about this proposal, Aristotle provided the framework for reconstructing Eudoxus' arguments in defense of hedonism. Taken together, these arguments laid the foundation for much of the Western tradition that advocated for the positive value of pleasure. They also hinted at a form of hedonism that valued the cultivation of activities such as mathematics and astronomy, which were Eudoxus' areas of expertise.

Eudoxus' influence extended beyond his ethical philosophy. He was a skilled mathematician who made significant contributions to the field, particularly in geometry and arithmetic. His work on the theory of proportion, known as the Eudoxus theorem, is still studied today. In astronomy, Eudoxus developed a mathematical model to explain the movements of the planets and the stars. He believed that the universe was governed by mathematical laws and that the study of mathematics and astronomy could reveal the secrets of the cosmos.

Despite his achievements, Eudoxus' work was not without its critics. Some philosophers, such as Plato, questioned the validity of hedonism and the pursuit of pleasure as the ultimate goal in life. They argued that pleasure was fleeting and superficial and that true happiness came from pursuing knowledge and virtue. Eudoxus, however, remained steadfast in his belief that pleasure was the highest good and that the pursuit of knowledge and virtue was merely a means to an end.

In conclusion, Eudoxus of Cnidus was a brilliant mathematician and astronomer who lived in the same era as Plato and Aristotle. His ethical doctrine, known as hedonism, identified pleasure as the ultimate good and laid the foundation for much of the Western tradition that advocated for the positive value of pleasure. While his work was not without its critics, Eudoxus remained steadfast in his belief that pleasure was the highest good and that the pursuit of knowledge and virtue was merely a means to an end. His contributions to mathematics and astronomy, particularly his work on the Eudoxus theorem and his mathematical model of the universe, continue to inspire and influence scientists and philosophers today.

ISBN-13: 9781009462600