Stoicism

Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy that focuses on personal ethics informed by a system of logic and views on the natural world. Founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BCE, Stoicism teaches that virtue (i.e., moral excellence) is based on knowledge and that the wise live in harmony with the divine Reason (also known as the Logos) that governs nature.

Seneca the Younger, a Roman Stoic philosopher, playwright, and statesman, is known for several significant philosophical works that explore themes of ethics, virtue, and the nature of the human condition. Here are some of his most notable works: 1. **Letters to Lucilius (Epistulae Morales ad Lucilium)**: This collection of 124 letters addressed to his friend Lucilius serves as a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy.

Stoic philosophers were proponents of Stoicism, an ancient Greek school of philosophy that emphasizes reason, self-control, and virtue as a means to achieve a good life. Stoicism originated in Athens in the early 3rd century BCE, founded by Zeno of Citium. It became one of the most prominent schools of philosophy in the Greco-Roman world.

Apatheia is a term derived from ancient Greek philosophy, particularly associated with the Stoics. It refers to a state of being free from emotional disturbance and distress. The word comes from "apatheia," meaning "without passion" or "lack of feeling." In Stoic philosophy, achieving apatheia is seen as a sign of wisdom and self-mastery. The concept involves cultivating a mindset where one is not easily swayed by excessive emotions or external circumstances.

"Astronomica" is a Roman didactic poem written by the astrologer and poet Marcus Manilius in the 1st century AD, specifically during the reign of Augustus. The work is one of the few surviving texts on astrology from antiquity and consists of five books. It combines elements of astrology, astronomy, and philosophy, presenting a comprehensive view of the celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs.

The phrase "the best of all possible worlds" is most famously associated with the philosophy of Leibniz and is particularly highlighted in the satirical novel "Candide" by Voltaire. In this context, it refers to the idea that the existing world, despite its flaws and suffering, is the best possible one that God could have created. Leibniz believed that God, being all-good and all-powerful, would create a world that maximizes good and minimizes evil.

"De Constantia" is a philosophical work written by the Dutch philosopher and statesman Hugo Grotius, who is often considered one of the founding figures of international law. The work, titled "De Constantia," translates to "On Constancy" in English, and it was written in 1620, at a time when Grotius was in exile.

The "Discourses" of Epictetus is a collection of teachings and philosophical discussions attributed to the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, who lived from approximately 55 to 135 CE. His teachings were transcribed and compiled by his student Arrian around the end of the first century.

The "Enchiridion" (often translated as "Handbook") of Epictetus is a concise manual of practical ethical advice based on the teachings of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. It was compiled by his student Arrian in the early 2nd century AD and serves as a foundational text in Stoic philosophy. The "Enchiridion" consists of key concepts that emphasize the importance of distinguishing between what is within our control and what is not.

Epoché is a philosophical term that originates from ancient Greek, meaning "suspension" or "bracketing." It is primarily associated with the discipline of phenomenology, particularly in the works of the German philosopher Edmund Husserl. In phenomenology, Epoché refers to the practice of suspending judgment about the natural world and our preconceived notions to focus on our immediate experiences and perceptions.

Here is a glossary of key terms related to Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasizes rationality, self-control, and virtue as paths to tranquility and happiness: ### A - **Apatheia**: A state of being unperturbed by external circumstances, representing a form of emotional resilience and tranquility associated with virtue. ### C - **Cardinal Virtues**: The four primary virtues in Stoicism: wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.

"Horme" can refer to different things depending on the context. Here are a few possible interpretations: 1. **Philosophy**: In philosophical terms, "horme" (from Greek) refers to a concept of impulse or motivation. It's often associated with the drive or desire to act in a certain way.

Katalepsis is a term that originates from ancient Greek philosophy, particularly associated with the Stoics. It refers to the state of having a clear and distinct perception or understanding of an object or concept, often seen as equivalent to true knowledge or certainty. In Stoic thought, katalepsis signifies the moment when an idea or impression is so vivid and compelling that it is taken to be true and is not subject to doubt.

"Kathekon" is a term derived from the Greek word "καθέκον," which can be translated as "that which restrains" or "that which holds back." In various philosophical and theological contexts, particularly in the works of St. Augustine and later in discussions of the Christian eschatological framework, the term refers to an entity or principle that restrains evil or chaos in the world.

A "lazy argument" generally refers to a programming concept where an argument is passed to a function in a way that the computation or evaluation of that argument is deferred until it is actually needed. This is often used to improve performance or to handle infinite data structures, among other use cases. There are a few common contexts where this concept is applied: 1. **Lazy Evaluation**: This is a programming technique used in languages like Haskell, where expressions are not evaluated until their values are required.

"Meditations" is a series of personal writings by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, which is considered one of the greatest works of Stoic philosophy. Written during the 2nd century AD, these writings were not intended for publication but were rather a form of self-reflection and guidance for Aurelius himself.

"Memento mori" is a Latin phrase that translates to "remember you must die." It is a philosophical and artistic concept that serves as a reminder of the inevitability of death. The idea encourages individuals to reflect on mortality, the transient nature of life, and the importance of living meaningfully. Historically, "memento mori" has influenced various aspects of culture, including literature, art, and religion.

In ancient Rome, mental illness was understood very differently compared to contemporary perspectives. The Romans did not have a specific medical or psychological framework akin to modern psychiatry. Instead, they often interpreted mental disorders through a lens of superstition, moral failing, or divine influence. ### Key Perspectives on Mental Illness in Ancient Rome: 1. **Supernatural Explanations**: Many Romans attributed mental illness to supernatural forces.

The microcosm-macrocosm analogy is a philosophical and metaphysical concept that draws a parallel between a small, self-contained system (the microcosm) and a larger system (the macrocosm). This analogy suggests that the structure and behavior of the smaller system can reflect or represent the characteristics and principles of the larger one.

Negative visualization is a mental exercise commonly associated with Stoic philosophy. The practice involves imagining and reflecting on losing the things you hold dear, such as loved ones, personal possessions, health, or status. The goal of this exercise is to cultivate a greater appreciation for what you have, enhance your resilience in the face of adversity, and reduce the anxiety associated with potential loss.

Neostoicism is a modern philosophical movement that seeks to revive and adapt the ideas of ancient Stoicism to contemporary thought and life. It combines aspects of traditional Stoic philosophy, which emphasizes rationality, self-control, and virtue as a means to achieve a good life, with other philosophical influences and modern concerns.

Oikeiôsis is a philosophical concept from ancient Stoicism that refers to the process of recognizing what is natural and appropriate to oneself and one's role in the world. The term is often translated as "appropriation" or "familiarization," and it encompasses the idea of developing an understanding and attachment to one's own nature, as well as to one’s family, community, and humanity at large. In Stoic thought, oikeiôsis is an essential part of ethical development.

"On Passions" is a philosophical text written by the French philosopher and writer Blaise Pascal. In this work, Pascal discusses the nature of human passions, emotions, and their impact on human behavior and decision-making. He explores themes related to love, desire, and the complexities of human psychology, often reflecting on the tension between reason and emotion.

Palingenesis refers to the concept of rebirth or regeneration, often used in different contexts, including philosophy, biology, and metaphysics. Here are a few interpretations: 1. **Philosophical Context**: In philosophy, particularly in the context of ancient beliefs, palingenesis can refer to the idea of the soul returning to life or being reborn in a new form. This notion may be linked to concepts of reincarnation or the cyclical nature of existence.

"Paradoxa Stoicorum," or "The Stoic Paradoxes," is a work attributed to the ancient Roman philosopher Cicero. It is based on the teachings of the Stoics and presents a series of paradoxical statements that challenge conventional beliefs about ethics and morality. The work explores themes such as virtue, wisdom, and the nature of the good life from a Stoic perspective.

"Pneuma" is a term derived from ancient Greek that translates to "breath" or "spirit." It has various interpretations and usages across different fields: 1. **Philosophy and Psychology**: In ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in the works of Stoics, pneuma was considered the vital spirit or life force that governed the body and the soul. It was thought to give life to the physical body and was seen as a bridge between the material and the immaterial.

Prohairesis is a term derived from ancient Greek philosophy, particularly associated with the works of Aristotle. It refers to a concept of moral choice or decision-making, distinguishing it from mere impulse or desire. In essence, prohairesis encompasses the rational, deliberative aspect of choosing one's actions based on values, reason, and ethical considerations. In Aristotle's ethical framework, prohairesis is crucial for understanding virtue and moral responsibility.

The Stoa Poikile, or "Painted Porch," was a famous colonnade in ancient Athens, located in the Agora. It was constructed in the 5th century BCE and is notable for its architectural significance and its role as a meeting place for philosophers. The stoa was decorated with beautiful frescoes that depicted scenes from Greek mythology and historical battles, which is where it gets its name.

In Stoic philosophy, "passions" (or "passiones" in Latin and "pathē" in Greek) refer to intense emotions or feelings that can disrupt rational thought and lead to irrational behavior. Stoics differentiate between "passions" and "virtue" or "rational emotional responses." Stoic philosophers, like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, believed that passions often arise from incorrect judgments about what is good or bad.

Stoic physics is an integral part of Stoic philosophy, which originated in ancient Greece and Rome. The Stoics, including key figures such as Zeno of Citium, Cleanthes, and later thinkers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, developed a comprehensive system of thought that encompassed ethics, logic, and physics. In Stoic thought, physics refers not just to the study of the natural world, but also to the underlying principles that govern the universe.