Stoicism is a branch of ancient philosophy, which sought to find joy through wisdom. Only with the acquisition of wisdom can an individual live a full and prosperous life. This concept was developed by Zeno (334-233 B.C.E). The word stoic derives from the area in which he began his school (stoa meaning porch in Greek). Gradually, other philosophers contributed to this body of thought. Cleanthes, Aristo, Epictetus, Seneca, Cicero, and Marcus Aurelius adopted Stoic thought. Zeno regarded Socrates with high esteem and incorporated some of his ideas into his own philosophy. Stoicism examines elements of knowledge, ethics, logic, and the physical world.
The stoic view of knowledge holds that exposure to matter builds the mind. Knowledge can be acquired through the senses and interaction with physical matter. This matter is not inactive, but an ever present force. It will not be static. It shall change constantly. Nature has an order due to this force and active matter. The way in which an individual thinks is related to how they perceive physical matter. Stoics believed existence was impossible without matter. Stoics did not want to become completely emotionless, but gain control of them from logical thought. Only when an individual can reason can they seek true happiness. Stoic thought in many respects became the foundation of materialist ideas.
The stoics had a deterministic view of events. Nothing just happened; it had a purpose. Not only are events happening for a reason it is part of a larger plan. This plan is set fourth by God or Gods in accordance with the laws of nature. Trying to interfere with this design would be pointless. Acceptance and rationalization of events can help an individual achieve full harmony. If one does not react to certain events, they will function better. The logos ( Gods or rather reason itself) are in control of all existence. Concepts such as fate and providence are emphasized. This is not in a fashion of mysticism, but the idea that the world and nature function on logic and laws.
Ethics are another area of concern to stoics. Individuals are in a manner actors in a drama. Everyone is given a role by the logos. It is out of their control which role in life one will receive. One of the major goals of the stoics was to relinquish excessive desires. Constant searches for pleasure could have negative consequences. Ideologically they were the opposite of hedonists. However, they do not agree with the basis of cynic philosophy. Stoics did not repudiate society completely. The idea was to remain neutral to events. Ethical questions that discuss good and evil are regulated to the individual. Seeing as an individual controls their emotions and personal conduct responsibility rests solely on them. Other factors are not relevant in regards to concepts of good or evil. Genuine virtue can only be acquired by indifference.
The most important contribution by the stoics was the early development universal natural law of justice. All human beings are connected. The link was the Gods and logos which were a part of nature. There for the law should function in the interest of all people. Even though your fate is predetermined in this philosophy, it does not give people the right to dominate other groups. The subject of freedom complicates aspects of stoic philosophy. Freedom from the stoic perspective is the elimination of emotional distress. Yet, if a person has no choice in certain decisions this could induce distress. The concept of predestined roles can be abused to justify the discrimination of marginalized groups in society. This contradictory and ambiguous perspective on freedom complicates the relation with universal natural law of justice.
Stoicism would later be eclipsed by the rise of Christianity. During its golden age it influenced many philosophers, leaders, and the people of the ancient world. The impact cannot be underestimated when examining Greek and Roman civilization. Modern vernacular changed the word stoic to mean " a person who can endure pain without emotion or feeling." The philosophic tradition of stoicism is more complex and has a vast body of thought.
The stoic view of knowledge holds that exposure to matter builds the mind. Knowledge can be acquired through the senses and interaction with physical matter. This matter is not inactive, but an ever present force. It will not be static. It shall change constantly. Nature has an order due to this force and active matter. The way in which an individual thinks is related to how they perceive physical matter. Stoics believed existence was impossible without matter. Stoics did not want to become completely emotionless, but gain control of them from logical thought. Only when an individual can reason can they seek true happiness. Stoic thought in many respects became the foundation of materialist ideas.
The stoics had a deterministic view of events. Nothing just happened; it had a purpose. Not only are events happening for a reason it is part of a larger plan. This plan is set fourth by God or Gods in accordance with the laws of nature. Trying to interfere with this design would be pointless. Acceptance and rationalization of events can help an individual achieve full harmony. If one does not react to certain events, they will function better. The logos ( Gods or rather reason itself) are in control of all existence. Concepts such as fate and providence are emphasized. This is not in a fashion of mysticism, but the idea that the world and nature function on logic and laws.
Ethics are another area of concern to stoics. Individuals are in a manner actors in a drama. Everyone is given a role by the logos. It is out of their control which role in life one will receive. One of the major goals of the stoics was to relinquish excessive desires. Constant searches for pleasure could have negative consequences. Ideologically they were the opposite of hedonists. However, they do not agree with the basis of cynic philosophy. Stoics did not repudiate society completely. The idea was to remain neutral to events. Ethical questions that discuss good and evil are regulated to the individual. Seeing as an individual controls their emotions and personal conduct responsibility rests solely on them. Other factors are not relevant in regards to concepts of good or evil. Genuine virtue can only be acquired by indifference.
The most important contribution by the stoics was the early development universal natural law of justice. All human beings are connected. The link was the Gods and logos which were a part of nature. There for the law should function in the interest of all people. Even though your fate is predetermined in this philosophy, it does not give people the right to dominate other groups. The subject of freedom complicates aspects of stoic philosophy. Freedom from the stoic perspective is the elimination of emotional distress. Yet, if a person has no choice in certain decisions this could induce distress. The concept of predestined roles can be abused to justify the discrimination of marginalized groups in society. This contradictory and ambiguous perspective on freedom complicates the relation with universal natural law of justice.
Stoicism would later be eclipsed by the rise of Christianity. During its golden age it influenced many philosophers, leaders, and the people of the ancient world. The impact cannot be underestimated when examining Greek and Roman civilization. Modern vernacular changed the word stoic to mean " a person who can endure pain without emotion or feeling." The philosophic tradition of stoicism is more complex and has a vast body of thought.
Further Reading
Stumpf, Samuel. Socrates to Sarte. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company,1982.
Popkin R.H., & Stroll A . Philosophy Made Simple .New York : Broadway Books,1993.
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