<P> In modern popular usage, an epicurean is a connoisseur of the arts of life and the refinements of sensual pleasures; epicureanism implies a love or knowledgeable enjoyment especially of good food and drink--see the definition of gourmet at Wiktionary . </P> <P> Because Epicureanism posits that pleasure is the ultimate good (telos), it has been commonly misunderstood since ancient times as a doctrine that advocates the partaking in fleeting pleasures such as constant partying, sexual excess and decadent food . This is not the case . Epicurus regarded ataraxia (tranquility, freedom from fear) and aponia (absence of pain) as the height of happiness . He also considered prudence an important virtue and perceived excess and overindulgence to be contrary to the attainment of ataraxia and aponia . </P> <P> Instead, Epicurus preferred "the good", and "even wisdom and culture" to the "pleasure of the stomach". While some twentieth - century commentary has sought to diminish this and related quotations, the consistency with Epicurean philosophy overall has more recently been explained . When Epicurus sought moderation at meals, he was also not averse to moderation in moderation, that is, to occasional luxury . His community also became known for its feasts of the twentieth (of the Greek month). </P>

Which school of hellenistic philosophy emphasizes the impossibility of certainty