Stoic Ethics

Epictetus and Happiness as Freedom

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ancient
Cover of the book Stoic Ethics by William O. Stephens, Bloomsbury Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: William O. Stephens ISBN: 9781441170453
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Publication: May 10, 2007
Imprint: Continuum Language: English
Author: William O. Stephens
ISBN: 9781441170453
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication: May 10, 2007
Imprint: Continuum
Language: English

Soon after Aristotle's death, several schools of ancient philosophy arose, each addressing the practical question of how to live a good, happy life. The two biggest rivals, Stoicism and Epicureanism, came to dominate the philosophical landscape for the next 500 years. Epicureans advised pursuing pleasure to be happy, and Stoics held that true happiness could only be achieved by living according to nature, which required accepting what happens and fulfilling one's roles. Stoicism, more than Epicureanism, attracted followers from many different walks of life: slaves, laborers, statesmen, intellectuals, and an emperor. The lasting impact of these philosophies is seen from the fact that even today 'Stoic' and 'Epicurean' are household words. Although very little of the writings of the early Stoics survive, our knowledge of Stoicism comes largely from a few later Stoics. In this unique book, William O. Stephens explores the moral philosophy of Epictetus, a former Roman slave and dynamic Stoic teacher whose teachings are the most compelling defense of ancient Stoicism that exists. Epictetus' philosophy dramatically captures the spirit of Stoicism by examining and remedying our greatest human disappointments, such as the death of a loved one. Stephens shows how, for Epictetus, happiness results from focusing our concern on what is up to us while not worrying about what is beyond our control. He concludes that the strength of Epictetus' thought lies in his conception of happiness as freedom from fear, worry, grief, and dependence upon luck.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Soon after Aristotle's death, several schools of ancient philosophy arose, each addressing the practical question of how to live a good, happy life. The two biggest rivals, Stoicism and Epicureanism, came to dominate the philosophical landscape for the next 500 years. Epicureans advised pursuing pleasure to be happy, and Stoics held that true happiness could only be achieved by living according to nature, which required accepting what happens and fulfilling one's roles. Stoicism, more than Epicureanism, attracted followers from many different walks of life: slaves, laborers, statesmen, intellectuals, and an emperor. The lasting impact of these philosophies is seen from the fact that even today 'Stoic' and 'Epicurean' are household words. Although very little of the writings of the early Stoics survive, our knowledge of Stoicism comes largely from a few later Stoics. In this unique book, William O. Stephens explores the moral philosophy of Epictetus, a former Roman slave and dynamic Stoic teacher whose teachings are the most compelling defense of ancient Stoicism that exists. Epictetus' philosophy dramatically captures the spirit of Stoicism by examining and remedying our greatest human disappointments, such as the death of a loved one. Stephens shows how, for Epictetus, happiness results from focusing our concern on what is up to us while not worrying about what is beyond our control. He concludes that the strength of Epictetus' thought lies in his conception of happiness as freedom from fear, worry, grief, and dependence upon luck.

More books from Bloomsbury Publishing

Cover of the book Entice by William O. Stephens
Cover of the book Forever Stardust by William O. Stephens
Cover of the book Digital Broadcasting by William O. Stephens
Cover of the book DIY Style by William O. Stephens
Cover of the book Geographers by William O. Stephens
Cover of the book The Stray Sod Country by William O. Stephens
Cover of the book My Mother Said I Never Should GCSE Student Guide by William O. Stephens
Cover of the book Food Waste by William O. Stephens
Cover of the book The Billionaires Club by William O. Stephens
Cover of the book Coins as Cultural Texts in the World of the New Testament by William O. Stephens
Cover of the book Acting Companies and their Plays in Shakespeare’s London by William O. Stephens
Cover of the book A Perfect Waiter by William O. Stephens
Cover of the book Shigeru Miyamoto by William O. Stephens
Cover of the book Philip of Spain, King of England by William O. Stephens
Cover of the book Singing at the Winepress by William O. Stephens
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy