Nikki asked:

I am about to take a test in philosophy and am wondering if anyone can help with this question. Both
Epicureans and Stoics maintain that the way we live our lives should conform to the nature or the
"nature of things." In which ways do there moral visions agree/ disagree? The Epicureans also
maintain that the aim of human living is to seek pleasure and avoid pain. For what ultimate end
should one pursue pleasure and avoid pain? Is the Epicurean view simply an updated version of the
views defended by Polus and Callicles? (Plato Gorgias) Why?

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Although there are similarities between Callicles and Epicurus' views, there is a significant difference.
Callicles believed in the pursuit of pleasure with pleasure defining happiness, which was the final end.
Epicurus believed in pursuing pleasure, but also stated that sometimes it is preferable to choose pain
if it will lead to greater pleasures. He also thought that some pleasures should not be chosen if they
would lead to greater pain. In other words, Epicurus believed our choices should be moderated by
having regard for their consequences. Callicles (at least how Plato painted him in his dialogue
Gorgias) believed we should just pursue our desires. I presume you're studying Letter to Menoeceus.
I hope this helps in some way.

Lyn Renwood