Advertisement

Advertisement

Cyrenaic

[ sir-uh-ney-ik, sahy-ruh- ]

adjective

  1. of or relating to Cyrenaica, or its chief city, Cyrene.
  2. noting or pertaining to a school of philosophy founded by Aristippus of Cyrene, who taught that pleasure is the only rational aim of life.


noun

  1. a native or inhabitant of Cyrenaica.
  2. a disciple of the Cyrenaic school of philosophy.

Cyrenaic

/ ˌsaɪrəˈneɪɪk; ˌsɪrə- /

adjective

  1. (in the ancient world) of or relating to the city of Cyrene or the territory of Cyrenaica
  2. of or relating to the philosophical school founded by the Greek philosopher Aristippus (?435–?356 bc ) in Cyrene that held pleasure to be the highest good
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


noun

  1. an inhabitant of Cyrene or Cyrenaica
  2. a follower of the Cyrenaic school of philosophy
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cyrenaic1

1580–90; < Latin C ȳrēnaicus < Greek Kȳrēnnaïkós, equivalent to Kȳrēna- (combining form of Kȳrḗnē Cyrene ) + -ikos -ic
Discover More

Example Sentences

The earliest and the most extreme type of hedonism is that of the Cyrenaic School as stated by Aristippus, who argued that the only good for man is the sentient pleasure of the moment.

The recognition of the reference in morality to society has been implied in all ethical theories; theories of selfish pleasure themselves recognize the social element in individual gratification, even Cyrenaic theories recommending selection and refinement of pleasures, and containing a reference to personal dignity which implies a conception of man as typical of a perfection that others may sympathize in and attain.

It is of the utmost importance that this development of Cyrenaic hedonism should be fully realized.

Many historical and artistic questions concerning Cyrene remain unsettled, but since the discoveries made in Laconia in 1908, the much disputed “Cyrenaic ware” has been ascribed to Sparta.

A good deal of Cyrenaic sculpture, all of comparatively late date, was sent to the British Museum by Smith and Porcher.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


Cyrano de BergeracCyrenaica