In a 750-1000 word essay, please respond to the following:

Analyze and explain Epicurus' famous proclamation: "Thanks be to blessed Nature because she has made what is necessary easy to supply, and what is not easy unnecessary...The right understanding of these facts enables us to refer all choice and avoidance to the health of the body and the soul's freedom from disturbance, since this is the aim of the life of blessedness." Do you agree or disagree with this assessment of the good life, and why?

In support of your argument, please refer to specific passages from the video (Alain de Botton's "Epicurus on Happiness---Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness," available on YouTube via the link below) as well as to your own life experiences and observations.

Epicurus on Happiness---Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness

Applied Philosophy Paper Grading Rubric:

The following standards are numbered in order of importance for grading.
1.
Essay demonstrates an understanding of the material: The student has correctly grasped a philosophical problem or question, has explained it accurately, and on the basis of a substantially correct interpretation of any texts involved. Key terms are used correctly. The essay shows evidence of the student's independent thought, and is written in his or her distinctive voice. Quotations are used, when appropriate, to support the writer's analysis, and an explanation is offered for each quotation.

25 points

2.
Essay has clear and coherent argument: There is a clearly stated thesis, and support for this thesis in the body of the paper. Each paragraph contributes to this argument, and follows logically from the paragraph before it. The argument presented is persuasive.

25 points

3.
Essay fulfills assigned task: The essay addresses the entire assigned question or topic, elaborating on important ideas in satisfactory depth, but without bringing in anything extraneous or irrelevant. The introduction of the essay focuses and provides clarity for the paper. Important terms are clearly and accurately defined. Each paragraph conveys a coherent, organized thought.

20 points

4.
Essay obeys standards for good persuasive writing: the writer shows that he or she is comfortable using philosophical language, and the prose is clear, not awkward. The structure of the sentences reflects the relationships between/among the ideas discussed.

15 points

5.
Essay is technically correct: The essay has been carefully and thoughtfully proofread. The argument is written in complete sentences, with punctuation that does not mislead the reader. There are no mistakes in spelling, grammar, word choice, and punctuation.

15 points