Biography
Hermarchus of Mytilene (c. 325–250 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher and the successor of Epicurus as the head of the Epicurean school. Born in Mytilene, on the island of Lesbos, Hermarchus initially pursued rhetoric before fully embracing philosophy under the guidance of Epicurus. He became one of Epicurus’ most dedicated students and played a crucial role in preserving and expanding the teachings of Epicureanism, particularly after Epicurus’ death in 270 BCE.
As the leader of the Epicurean school, Hermarchus was responsible for maintaining the intellectual and organizational integrity of the community in Athens. His philosophical contributions primarily focused on ethics, politics, and critiques of rival philosophical traditions, particularly Platonism and Stoicism. While none of his original works have survived in full, references to his writings can be found in the works of later authors such as Cicero and Diogenes Laërtius.
One of Hermarchus’ notable endeavors was his defense of Epicurean doctrines against their detractors. He engaged in polemics against thinkers who opposed the Epicurean worldview, reinforcing the school’s core tenets, such as the rejection of divine intervention in human affairs and the emphasis on ataraxia (a state of tranquility free from distress). His influence ensured the continuity of Epicurean thought, which remained a significant philosophical movement well into the Roman era.
Despite the loss of his original texts, Hermarchus’ impact on Epicureanism is evident through the references and discussions of his ideas by later scholars. His leadership and intellectual contributions solidified the foundation of the Epicurean tradition, helping it endure and thrive long after his time.
Contributions of Hermarchus
Defense of Epicurean Ethics
Hermarchus played a crucial role in preserving and expanding upon Epicurus’ ethical doctrines. As one of Epicurus’ closest disciples and his successor as the head of the Epicurean school, Hermarchus worked to reinforce and clarify the foundational principles of Epicureanism, particularly its emphasis on ataraxia (a state of serene tranquility) and hedonism (the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good).
He argued that the ultimate aim of philosophy should be to liberate individuals from irrational fears that hinder their ability to live a fulfilling and content life. Among these fears, he placed particular emphasis on the fear of death and divine intervention, both of which were deeply ingrained in ancient societies due to religious traditions and cultural superstitions. By advocating for a rational, materialistic view of the universe—where death is simply the cessation of consciousness and the gods are indifferent to human affairs—Hermarchus sought to free people from anxiety and help them cultivate a sense of inner peace.
Criticism of Religion and Superstition
Like his mentor, Hermarchus was highly critical of traditional religious beliefs, especially those that instilled unnecessary fear in people. He challenged the notion that gods were actively involved in human lives, arguing instead for a naturalistic worldview, where events occur due to natural causes rather than divine will.
By emphasizing the importance of empirical observation and logical reasoning, Hermarchus encouraged individuals to reject myths and supernatural explanations in favor of scientific and rational understandings of the world. For example, rather than attributing natural disasters to the wrath of the gods, he would advocate for a perspective that seeks causes in natural processes, such as geological or meteorological phenomena.
His critiques of religion were not merely theoretical; they had significant social implications. By promoting a worldview free from the constraints of superstition, Hermarchus aimed to reduce societal manipulation by religious authorities, who often used fear to control people’s behaviors and decisions.
Views on Justice and Society
One of Hermarchus’ most notable contributions to philosophy was his discussion on justice and the role of laws in society. Unlike other philosophical traditions, such as those of Plato and Aristotle, which often treated justice as an absolute moral principle, Hermarchus adopted a pragmatic and relativistic view. He argued that justice is not an intrinsic or divine concept, but rather a set of mutual agreements among individuals designed to ensure social harmony and prevent harm.
According to this perspective, laws and ethical norms are not eternal truths but social constructs that should evolve to reflect the changing needs of human communities. For instance, if a particular law no longer serves the well-being of society or fails to prevent harm effectively, it should be revised or abolished. This utilitarian approach to justice aligns with the broader Epicurean philosophy, which prioritizes the avoidance of pain and the promotion of a peaceful life.
This perspective was revolutionary in its time because it challenged rigid moral doctrines and instead advocated for a flexible, experience-based system of justice that adapts to societal conditions rather than imposing arbitrary moral absolutes.
Critique of Aristotelian and Platonic Thought
As part of his broader defense of Epicurean philosophy, Hermarchus actively engaged in intellectual debates against the metaphysical and ethical views of Aristotle and Plato. Both of these thinkers proposed philosophical frameworks that emphasized abstract concepts such as virtue (arete), ideal forms, and teleological explanations of the universe, which were fundamentally at odds with the materialistic and empirical stance of the Epicureans.
Hermarchus specifically criticized the Aristotelian view of ethics, which held that virtue and rational deliberation are the highest human goods. Instead, he maintained that the true guiding principle of human life should be pleasure and the absence of pain, rather than an adherence to rigid moral virtues that might lead to unnecessary suffering.
Likewise, he rejected Plato’s theory of forms, which posited that non-material abstract entities (such as “Justice” or “Beauty”) exist as perfect realities beyond the physical world. From an Epicurean perspective, such ideas were speculative and lacked empirical evidence. Hermarchus, in keeping with Epicurus’ teachings, argued that all knowledge should be derived from sensory experience and direct observation, rather than from abstract reasoning alone.
Legacy
Although often overshadowed by Epicurus, Hermarchus played a crucial role in preserving, developing, and transmitting Epicurean philosophy to future generations. As the successor to Epicurus and the head of the Epicurean school, he ensured the continuity of its teachings, maintaining the integrity of the philosophical system and guiding its adherents. His leadership not only safeguarded the doctrines of Epicurus but also contributed to their refinement and expansion.
Despite the unfortunate loss of his writings, his influence persisted through the works of later Epicureans and even through the critiques of rival philosophical traditions. His contributions helped shape the intellectual landscape of both the Hellenistic and Roman periods, particularly in discussions on ethics, materialism, and the nature of happiness. Through the transmission of Epicurean thought, Hermarchus played a vital part in ensuring that the school’s principles remained relevant for centuries, influencing thinkers from antiquity to the modern era.
