April 21
Monday, April 21, 2025Plenary
Stoic Freedom
In this class we continue our study of Roman Stoicism, focusing on the views of Epictetus. Our interest here will be in the Stoics' understanding of human freedom, and what is and what isn't under our control. We'll also consider the Stoics' approach to the good life versus the approach of their main rival philosophical school, Epicureanism; the distinction the Stoics drew between the Sage and the "Progressor"; their conception of the emotions; and the influence of Stoicism in the present day.
Goals
Goals
- Develop a grasp of the Stoics’ conception of freedom
- Understand how the Stoics looked to distinguish their views in ethics from Epicureanism
- Understand the Stoics’ views on emotions
- Become familiar with the influence of the Stoics in modern times and the revival of their views in the Modern Stoicism movement
Before Class
- As you read Epictetus for today’s class, consider how his views connect with the core principles of Stoicism discussed in last week’s lectures.
- Live Like a Stoic Week starts today!
After Class
Further Resources
Further Resources
- A conversation with Nancy Sherman for Stoicon 2021 covering various issues from her recent book, Stoic Wisdom, including the Stoics’ views on emotions and other misreadings of their understanding of the good life.
- “Epictetus” – entry from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Margaret Graver)
- “Care For Ourselves, Others, And Our World – Can Stoicism Help Us Hold These Together?” – short essay on the relation for the Stoics between self-care, care for others, and care for the world and our environment (Christopher Gill)
- Website for Modern Stoicism