Idealism vs Materialism in Ancient Greece – Plato vs Epicurus

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What’s the difference between Idealism and Materialism in ancient Greek philosophy? In just 60 seconds, this video breaks down the two major schools of thought through the minds of Plato and Epicurus.

Plato believed in a higher world of eternal ideas—where the physical world is just a shadow. To him, the body was a distraction, and truth was found by turning inward, toward the world of essences.

Epicurus, on the other hand, believed everything is made of atoms—no afterlife, no divine realm. The mind comes from the body, and pleasure in this life is key to happiness.

So: should we seek higher truths beyond this world? Or enjoy the only life we know exists?

Topics Covered:

What is Idealism in Greek philosophy?

What is Materialism according to Epicurus?

Plato’s theory of forms and the rejection of the body

Epicureanism and the role of atoms, pleasure, and the material world

Perfect for: students, philosophy beginners, or anyone curious about the roots of Western thought.

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