A brief analysis of the concept of “Desire” in Epicurus, from a Marxist perspective.

Abstract

One of the main and arduous challenges of capitalist societies, is the construction and
development of ethical principles, which achieve happiness. However, in such a task there is a problem that becomes more and more latent, that is, an antagonistic struggle between
desire and pleasure is contemplated. The difficulty is present at the moment of becoming
aware of the acts and practices of consumption or production of the subject's needs that
have an impact on interest. This paper reflects that in the face of the commercial
bombardment there is no space to reach the Ataraxia (imperturbability) in the sense of
epicureanism. In order to make a difference between the sensible and the interest it is
necessary to understand: 1) how personal relationships are present in contemporary
consumer society and 2) to understand the Habit from the praxis -this starting from Marx's
perspective-, because it would establish that the interest does not respond to vain desires
that only disturb the individual, but to the joys that lead to Ataraxia.