Oinoandalı/Muğlalı Diogenes: Mutlu Olmak İçin Doğa Bilimleri (Φυσιολογία) Neden Gereklidir?

As Diogenes was an Epicurean philosopher, he shared Epicure’s ideas on the natural sciences, Gods, and ethics. Epicurean philosophy attributes the causes of people’s discomfort/unhappiness to the fear of God and death. In order to eliminate these ailments, it is necessary to understand nature and its functioning. Like Epicurus, Diogenes seeks ways to get rid of ailments that cause people unnecessary suffering. He thinks that his real value, pleasure, can only be possible through natural sciences. Because the natural sciences can enable humans to establish a healthy connection with the world. For instance, when people witness a natural phenomenon and don't know its true cause, they become fearful. It is not possible to discuss this tight relationship between life and nature without touching on the subject of God, especially. In this context, Diogenes criticizes the concept of God in many ways. Essentially, he critiques the conceptions of God that have arisen because of the distorted relationship between humans and nature. Because the true causes of natural events are not known, Gods are seen as the explanations for these events, and as a result, they are designed as frightening, punitive figures. However, Diogenes, on the contrary, believes that we should envision Gods with smiling faces. As a result, this article will address Diogenes’ relationships between nature (φύσις) and ethics. Furthermore, as a consequence of this relationship, the concepts of God, arkhe, happiness, and pleasure, which are essential to discuss, will also be examined in terms of their relevance to the subject. Subheadings will include Natural Sciences and Ethics, Gods and Divine Will, followed by a concluding section that ties these elements together.

Keywords: Natural sciences, ethics, happy, pleasure, God, dream