Basic Concepts Flashcards
What are the three main divisions of Stoic philosophy?
Logic, physics, and ethics
What are the four main virtues in Stoicism?
1) Wisdom/Prudence
2) Justice/Integrity
3) Fortitude/Courage
4) Temperance/Moderation
What does “endure and renounce” mean?
Endure (bear), through the virtue of courage, whatever irrational pain or suffering would otherwise be feared and avoided
Renounce (forbear), through the virtue of temperance (or moderation), whatever irrational pleasures would otherwise be desired and pursued
What are the four irrational passions?
Pain, fear, craving, and pleasure
Define the irrational passion of pain.
The “irrational contraction” of the soul, over the failure to avoid something judged bad or to obtain something judged good
Define the irrational passion of fear.
The (irrational) “expectation of something bad”
Define the irrational passion of craving.
The “irrational striving” for something judged to be good
Define the irrational passion of pleasure.
The “irrational elation over what seems to be worth choosing”, i.e., what is judged good
What are the three good passions?
Joy/delight, caution/discretion, and wishing/willing
Define the good passion of joy/delight.
The rational elation over the good, which is the alternative to irrational pleasure
Define the good passion of caution/discretion.
The rational avoidance of the bad, which is the alternative to irrational fear
Define the good passion of wishing/willing.
The rational striving for the good, which is the alternative to irrational desire
What is the Discipline of Assent?
The ability to assent to true impressions, dissent from false ones, and suspend judgement toward uncertain ones.
What is the Discipline of Desire?
To have desire for and attain the good, to have aversion toward and avoid the bad, and to feel indifference toward indifferent things. The good is to be defined as being solely in the domain of things under one’s control, one’s volitions or actions, making wisdom and other virtues the highest good.
What is the Discipline of Action?
To seek to act or not act, always in accord with one’s appropriate actions (kathêkonta) or duties, in terms primarily of natural and acquired social relationships.
