According to the Epicureans, what is believed to happen to the body and soul at death?

The Epicureans held a materialistic view of existence which significantly influenced their beliefs about death. According to their philosophy, both the body and the soul are composed of atoms, and upon death, they simply break down and cease to exist. This perspective posits that the soul does not continue to exist separately from the body after death; instead, both entities degenerate together, leading to the conclusion that there is no afterlife or continuation of existence in another form. The implications of this belief are profound, as they encourage individuals to embrace the present life without fear of what comes after death, viewing life as an opportunity for pleasure and fulfillment.

This understanding sets the Epicureans apart from other philosophical or religious views that propose an afterlife, reincarnation, or judgment, all of which imply some form of continuity beyond physical death. The Epicurean perspective encourages a focus on the here and now, considering the ephemeral nature of life and the importance of pursuing pleasure and avoiding pain within a material existence.