Stoicism Flashcards
Who was the founder of Stoicism, and where did he lecture?
The founder of Stoicism was Zeno, who lectured at the Stoa Poikele, also known as the Painted Porch
Name five major figures associated with Stoicism
Four major figures associated with Stoicism are Zeno, Cicero, Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius
What was the primary focus of Stoic philosophy in response to the collapse of Greek
Stoic philosophy focused on providing advice for attaining personal salvation in a world undergoing collapse and upheaval
According to Stoicism, what is within one’s power and what is not?
According to Stoicism, choice is within one’s power, while externals are not
How did Stoicism advocate achieving personal freedom from external circumstances?
Stoicism advocated achieving personal freedom by practicing indifference to external circumstances, thereby becoming independent of the world’s chaos
What did Epitetus advise regarding attachment to material things?
Epitetus advised not making idols of material things like clothes or beauty, as attachment to them leads to frustration and anger
What is the summum bonum, or highest good, according to Stoicism?
The highest good according to Stoicism is virtue, which is defined as rational action and living in harmony with divine reason
Describe the Stoic view on living in accordance with nature
Stoics believed in living consistently with nature, which meant living in accordance with reason and virtuously
What are the four “diseases” that Stoicism teaches should be expunged from the personality?
The four “diseases” that Stoicism teaches should be expunged from the personality are pleasure, sorrow, desire, and fear
What is Stoicism’s stance on predestination and the acceptance of fate?
Stoicism believes in predestination, teaching that all things are fixed by the divine according to a preconceived plan. Stoics advocate accepting fate, including death, without flinching
How did Stoicism adapt to the changing political landscape of ancient Greece and Rome?
Stoicism offered advice for attaining personal salvation in a world experiencing political collapse, emphasizing mental freedom from external circumstances
According to Stoicism, what is within one’s power and what is not?
Stoicism teaches that externals are not within one’s power, but one’s choices are. Therefore, practicing indifference to external circumstances leads to independence from the world
What is the Stoic perspective on personal freedom and material possessions?
Stoics believe that true freedom comes from being free of attachment to material things. They advocate for mental freedom even in chaotic circumstances
What is the Stoic concept of the “summum bonum”?
The “summum bonum” refers to the highest good, which Stoics believe is virtue. Virtue, or rational action consistent with nature, is seen as sufficient for happiness
How do Stoics view the role of nature in human life?
Stoics emphasize living in accordance with nature, which they see as orderly and benevolent. They believe that following the example and instruction of nature leads to wise and righteous living
