Stoicism

Justine Joo

Quick History Founded in Greece by

Zeno of Citium (334-262 BC) From the “stoa” where he

would teach his students Was one of the most

popular philosophies during the Hellenistic period along with Epicureanism

Eventually died out in the 3rd century AD from the rise of Christianity

Philosophy Has no interest in normal human feelings

Grief, Joy, Hope, Fear Free of worldly demands, especially pleasure-

seeking Ascete – one who has transcended the passions

that create a disorderly condition in the soul Knowledge is attained through reason Believed in the Socratic equation

Virtue = Knowledge If one behaves in a certain dispassionate

manner, guarantees complete well-being, or human excellence

Philosophy cont… Similar to Aristotelian notion that good

consists of acting in accordance with one’s nature

However, must act in accordance with nature itself Totality of reality

Reality is perfect. Therefore, humans are perfect if they

live in accordance with the divine plan of reality

Philosophy cont… Recognize the truth that a person can do

nothing but conform to the grand design Requires one to make desires identical with the

overall providential plan of the universe Unhappiness and unfreedom are the

consequences of those who try to impose their own selfish desire on reality

Only way to be free is to want what the universe wants

Get what we desire = NO Desire what we get = YES

Famous Stoics Seneca (4-65 AD)

Dramatist, statesman that was told to commit suicide by Nero

Epictetus (1st century AD) Was a slave

Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) 16th Emperor of the Roman

Empire

Range of people followed the Stoic belief of resignation Disdain for attachment to

earthly things

Stoicism & Suicide In certain circumstances, advocated suicide Human excellence could be overwhelming

Harshness of reality could disturb one’s inner equilibrium

Could cause pain, anxiety Enlightenment was indifferent

One had every right to escape through suicide

Stoicism & Christianity Similarities

Doctrine of resignation Concern with conforming to the will of divine Providence

Differences Stoicism

Advocated suicide to prevent from going against divine plan of the world

Perfection - Reality Christianity

Was prohibited by the same divine plan Perfection - God

Christianity became dominant religion of the Roman Empire by the 4th century