Stoicism Virtues, Ethics and Relationships

Stoicism is an ancient philosophical school that originated in ancient Greece and was later developed in ancient Rome. It was founded by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BCE. Stoicism emphasizes living a virtuous and rational life through self-discipline and inner tranquility.

Stoicism teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions; the philosophy holds that becoming a clear and unbiased thinker allows one to understand the universal reason (logos).

The ancient Stoics, like other philosophers of their time, placed a strong emphasis on living a life of virtue, self-control, and ethical behaviour. Their writings reflect a commitment to moral integrity, and they advocated for the pursuit of wisdom and self-improvement. 

A) Virtues and Ethics

Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with questions about morality, values, and how individuals should conduct themselves in their actions and decisions. Stoicism, being an ethical philosophy, centres on guiding individuals toward virtuous and meaningful living. Several prominent Stoic philosophers support these key aspects of Stoicism and its ethical teachings:

 

1) Virtue as the Highest Good: The Stoics emphasized the centrality of virtue as the ultimate good in life. According to the philosopher Epictetus, by focusing on cultivating wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, individuals can achieve eudaimonia, a state of flourishing and well-being.

Happiness is usually understood in the Enlightenment sense as a series of repeated pleasures. It's a feeling one has about life. Eudaimonia, on the other hand, is activity across a lifetime.

2) Emotions and Passions: Stoics believed that emotions and passions arise from false beliefs and attachments to external things. Seneca, a prominent Stoic philosopher, advised, "Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life." This suggests that by practising mindfulness and rational self-examination, individuals can gain better control over their emotions and achieve inner tranquility (apatheia).

3) Acceptance of the Natural Order: Stoicism encourages individuals to accept the natural order of the universe (Logos) and to align their will with it. As Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, wrote in his "Meditations," "Objective judgment, now, at this very moment. Unselfish action, now, at this very moment. Willing acceptance—now, at this very moment—of all external events." This idea calls for acknowledging that some things are beyond our control, and true freedom lies in controlling our responses and attitudes toward external events.

4) The Dichotomy of Control: Epictetus eloquently summarized this concept: "Some things are in our control, while others are not. We control our opinion, choice, desire, aversion, and, in a word, everything of our own doing. We don't control our body, property, reputation, position, and, in a word, everything not of our own doing." Stoics advocated focusing on what is within our power and letting go of attachment to external outcomes, as they are outside of our control.

5) Duty and Social Relations: Stoicism places importance on fulfilling one's duty (kathêkon) in various roles. Seneca stated, "Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness." This emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals within society and the importance of living in harmony with others.

6) Cosmopolitanism: The Stoics promoted the idea of cosmopolitanism, where they saw all humans as part of a single, universal community. Marcus Aurelius wrote, "We were born to work together like feet, hands, and eyes, like the two rows of teeth, upper and lower. To obstruct each other is unnatural. To feel anger at someone, to turn your back on him: these are obstructions."

7) Mindfulness and Self-Examination: The Stoics encouraged introspection and self-reflection to identify and correct one's faults and vices. Epictetus emphasized the importance of self-awareness by stating, "Know, first, who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly." By practicing mindfulness, individuals could develop self-awareness and seek self-improvement.

B) Relationships, Self-Control and Sexual misconducts

1) Self-Control and Moderation: Stoics emphasized self-control as a key virtue. Epictetus, for example, encouraged people to exercise restraint over their desires and appetites. In his "Discourses," Epictetus urged his followers to "restrain your impulses to aim at things not within our power."

2) Virtue and Wisdom: For the Stoics, virtue (arete) was the highest good, and wisdom was a crucial aspect of virtue. Seneca, in his letters, often discussed the importance of living virtuously and wisely. He believed that wisdom would lead to right actions and decisions in all aspects of life, including matters related to relationships and sexual conduct.

3) Ethics in Relationships: Stoic did stress the importance of treating others justly and with respect. Marcus Aurelius, in his "Meditations," highlighted the significance of fairness and kindness in interpersonal relationships. This could be interpreted as advocating for respectful behaviour in intimate relationships as well.

 

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