ANNICERISCyrene, approx. 4th - 3rd century B.C. |
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Cyrenaic philosopher who flourished during the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. Unlike Aristippus, the founder of the Cyrenaic School, who accepted as a moral principle the enjoyment of the moment, and Theodore, who taught that the criterion lies in the happy mood of man, Annikeris presented more sophisticated views on pleasure and enjoyment: he emphasized that true joy and enjoyment are achieved in community, friendship, family, group, state. Above, then, individual pleasures, the pleasures of collective life and social values are recognized here.
This teaching sounded like a response to the pessimistic theory of Hegesia the Peisithanatos, which had devastating consequences in Alexandria pushing many to commit suicide. Contrary to this theory, Annikeris taught the joy of life and the pursuit of pleasure within the human community.