Philosophical discussions about value (axiology) often get tangled in complex theories that feel removed from everyday life. There's a noticeable gap in research exploring simpler, more practical approaches to value—especially those inspired by Epicurean ideas that focus on happiness, pleasure, and living well. This project would examine how minimalist value systems could help people navigate modern complexities while staying grounded in what truly matters.

What the Research Would Explore

One way to approach this would be to systematically study different minimalist philosophies of value, particularly those influenced by Epicureanism. The work could:

• Compare various simplified approaches to defining what's valuable in life
• Analyze how these theories hold up in contemporary society
• Develop updated versions of Epicurean ideas that fit modern contexts

The research might combine traditional philosophy with insights from psychology and behavioral science to test how these ideas work in practice. For example, it could examine whether people find certain minimalist value systems more helpful than others when making life decisions.

Who Could Benefit and Why

Different groups might find this research useful for distinct reasons:

• Academics could gain new perspectives on value theory that bridge philosophy and practical living
• Therapists and coaches might apply these frameworks to help clients simplify overwhelming choices
• Everyday readers could discover philosophical approaches that make their lives more fulfilling without requiring complex systems

While primarily an academic pursuit, the findings could also inform organizational values, education, and even policy discussions about well-being.

How It Might Be Done

A possible starting point could involve three phases:

1. Reviewing existing minimalist philosophies and identifying key differences
2. Developing and comparing modern adaptations of these ideas
3. Testing how they resonate with different audiences through workshops or surveys

A simpler initial version might focus just on comparing two or three core minimalist approaches before expanding to broader analysis. The research could produce both technical papers for scholars and accessible guides for general readers interested in applying these ideas.

This work would stand out by bringing ancient wisdom about simple living into conversation with contemporary challenges—offering people philosophical tools to cut through modern complexity while staying true to what makes life meaningful.